During a dinner in his honor, after much more serious bilateral discussions promising, among other things, the “end” of the North Korean regime in the event of a nuclear attack against US allies, Yoon Suk-yeol shared his passion for American music.
From nuclear to karaoke: South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol concluded his visit to the White House on Wednesday April 26, 2023 with a few vocals, which did not fail to arouse the admiration of his American counterpart, Joe Biden.
Fan of “American Pie”
“We know this is one of your favorite songs, ‘American Pie'”, then launches Joe Biden, taking his guest on stage to listen more closely to musicians playing this ballad by Don McLean.
“Yes, it’s true”answers Yoon Suk-yeol, known in South Korea for being a karaoke fan, admitting to being a fan of this title since its release in 1971, when he was still in school.
“We want to hear you sing it”, then tries its American host. Mr. Yoon doesn’t really offer any resistance and takes the mic: “It’s been a long time but…”
It aligns the first words a capella. The audience applauds, Joe Biden and the First Lady are delighted.
Yoon, new rock star of the White House
“At the next state dinner we have, you will be in charge of the entertainment”, laughs the American president. “I had no damn idea you could sing.”
After his performance, Mr. Yoon was presented by his counterpart with a guitar sent and signed by Don McLean, who was unable to join the dinner.
On social media, netizens praised Yoon Suk-yeol’s singing talents.
“Yoon literally tore everything up in the White House!”, one Twitter user enthused, in Korean, in the comments below the video showing the president singing. “Yoon has revealed his hidden talent as a singer”, wrote another, also in Korean, sharing the snippet.
However, this is not the first time that Yoon Suk-yeol has sung in public.
In the middle of the 2021 presidential campaign, he made an appearance on the famous South Korean show All the Butlersarousing the admiration of the set with his interpretation of No one else, by Lee Seung-chul.