The footage of the Emperor smiling at President Yoon Seol-yeol does not actually have such a scene.
President Yoon Seok-yeol signs a guest list of mourners at Queen Elizabeth’s state funeral (Photo: Representative photo/Archyde.com/Aflo)
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(Mayo Haneda: Business Writer in Korea)
On September 19, 2022 (Japan time 20th), the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II was held. More than 2,000 dignitaries from around the world attended Westminster Abbey in central London. Attendees bid farewell to the great Queen who led Britain for 70 years.
Their Majesties the Emperor and 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 attended instead of Prime Minister Kishida, there were almost no reports encouraging 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 is the outlook for economic diplomacy?” There were many voices expecting exchanges with.
South Koreans, whether conservative or left-leaning, rejoice when their citizens gain fame overseas. Therefore, the public seemed to welcome even President Yoon, whose approval rating is low, to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with world leaders.
Even when the seating order of the state funeral was known, the media reported, “14th row alongside Biden… President Yoon, Queen of England’s funeral ‘condolence diplomacy’ (Yonhap News).” If he were to be treated the same as the President of the United States, he would pass.
As an aside, 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 Empress in the 6th row, and next to the Emperor and Empress was 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 the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II by the Korean media, I thought that the Yonhap news report 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.