WATERLOO –Washington was still talking about how South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol, the guest of honor at the White House State Dinner on Wednesday featuring performances by three Broadway stars, instead stole the show with his rendition of Don McClean’s “American Pie.”
President Joe Biden convinced Yoon to perform after learning that the American karaoke bar staple was his favorite song in school.
Biden responded to Yoon, “Well, we want to hear you sing it,” and Yoon complied.
Yoon broke into song, belting out a few lines from the well-known music and getting raucous cheers and a standing ovation from visitors including Angelina Jolie despite speaking through an interpreter throughout the entire day of public activities.
“The next state dinner we’re going to have, “ Putting his arm around Yoon, Biden, who pounded his fists enthusiastically throughout the performance, exclaimed, “you’re looking at the entertainment.”
Biden added, “I had no damn idea you could sing.” However, it is clear that he was aware of Yoon’s love for the song at the very least.
After the performance, he told Yoon, “I understand that you like the guitar as well,” and then gave him an acoustic guitar that Don McLean had personally signed.
Singers Lea Salonga, Norm Lewis, and Jessica Voski performed a medley of five classic Broadway hits as part of the event’s entertainment. “This Is The Moment,” “Happy Days Are Here Again,” “On My Own,” “Don’t Rain On My Parade,” and “Somewhere.”
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The luncheon came after a private Wednesday discussion between Biden and Yoon in the Oval Office. The two discussed collaborating to counter North Korea’s nuclear threats, advance peace in the Taiwan Straits, support Ukraine against Russian invasion, and other topics.
This week commemorates the alliance between the United States and South Korea, established in the wake of the Korean War, and Yoon’s state visit.
Despite the diplomatic and economic tensions between the nations, the lighthearted moment and other celebrations at the State Dinner took place.
The recent disclosure of sensitive U.S. intelligence documents appeared to prove that Washington was spying on the government of South Korea.
Yoon dismissed the spying allegation during the press conference on Wednesday, saying the two countries are in contact and “sharing necessary information.” At the same time, the U.S. probe into the publication of documents progresses.