The footage of the Emperor smiling at President Yoon Seol-yeol doesn’t actually have such a scene.
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(Mayo Haneda: Business writer in Korea)
The state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II took place on 19 September 2022 (20 Japan time). More than 2,000 dignitaries from around the world attended Westminster Abbey in central London. Attendees salute the great queen who has led Britain for 70 years.
Their Majesties the Emperor and the Empress attended from Japan.
From South Korea, South Korean President Yoon Sung-yeol and his wife, Kim Gun-hee attended.
Perhaps because the Japanese media reported that the emperor was present in place of Prime Minister Kishida, there was hardly any news that encouraged active exchanges with foreign dignitaries, such as “diplomatic relations with dignitaries from various countries”.
On the other hand, South Korean media reported that even before President Yoon left for the UK, he said: “This is the highest level of condolence diplomacy”, “What are the prospects for economic diplomacy?” There were many rumors that they expected exchanges with.
South Koreans, conservative or leftist, rejoice when their citizens gain fame overseas. Therefore, the public also seemed to welcome President Yoon, whose approval rating is low, to stand shoulder to shoulder with world leaders.
Even when the seating order for the state funeral was known, the media reported: “Row 14 along with Biden … President Yoon, Queen of England’s diplomacy of condolence (Yonhap News).” If he were to be treated like the President of the United States, he would pass.
Incidentally, the president of Poland Duda was seated in the 13th row, the Macron couple of France in the 12th row, their majesties the emperor and the empress in the 6th row, and next to the emperor and empress was the King Abdullah of Malaysia. It was reported in media reports. As far as I can see in the photo, Jordan Abdullah II is also in front of the emperor.
When I saw the article about Queen Elizabeth II’s state funeral from the Korean media, I thought the Yonhap news was terrible. What’s worse is that they are posting composite photos and videos that make it look like the main characters and President Yoon are together.
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