Kim “Korea, more tired of excessive competition…Rose “We must value ourselves”.

Kim Geon-hee, who participated in the official spouse program of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit, is speaking at the ‘Discussion on Mental Health’ held at Apple Park in Cupertino, California, USA, on the 17th (local time). From left, Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, Kim Geon-hee, and Rosé of Blackpink. /Yonhap News

Kim Geon-hee, who is visiting San Francisco, USA, to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit, said on the 17th (local time) that “Korea is often exhausted due to excessive competition and emotional involvement, and therefore, mental health programs need to be activated.”

Kim participated in the APEC spouse program on ‘Mental Health’ held at Apple’s headquarters ‘Apple Park’ in Cupertino in the morning and said, “Korea has a characteristic of being very conscious of each other in a competitive society,” according to a written briefing by spokesperson Lee Do-woon.

Kim expressed her hope that “these issues can be improved through various mental health programs.”

This event was hosted by Jill Biden, the wife of US President Joe Biden. In addition to Kim, the spouses of the leaders of Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, and the Philippines, Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, attended, and Rosé, a member of the K-pop girl group ‘Blackpink’, was also present at the invitation of Mrs. Biden.

In a roundtable discussion on mental health, Mrs. Biden mentioned that modern technology has facilitated communication between people, and that efforts should now be made for mental health, such as isolation and anxiety.

Rosé also shared her experience.

Rosé expressed that the journey to success as a singer was not easy and there are still occasional difficulties, but she realized the importance of valuing her own worth, and she hopes that her music based on this can inspire and comfort many people.

Kim Geon-hee, who participated in the official spouse program of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit, is listening to the remarks of Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, at the ‘Discussion on Mental Health’ held at Apple Park in Cupertino, California, USA, on the 17th (local time). From left, Tim Cook, Kim Geon-hee, and Rosé of Blackpink. /Yonhap News

Kim expressed her gratitude to Rosé for sharing her difficult story, and encouraged her by saying that the global influence of K-pop, including Blackpink, and Korean culture is tremendous, and she looks forward to being moved by their music and positive messages in the future.

In addition, Kim looked at the demonstration of mental health-related technology of the Apple Vision Pro and Apple Watch, which are set to be released next year, in the Apple experience space, took a walk in Apple Park, and visited Apple’s circular building.

Kim said, “I am impressed by Apple’s architecture, which aims for eco-friendliness and carbon neutrality, and the meticulous space creation that prioritizes the mental health of employees. I hope that more such spaces will be created in Korea.”

She was also pleased to see the buildings designed by Norman Foster, a master of high-tech architectural technology, whom she likes.

Mrs. Biden expressed her gratitude for Kim’s participation in the APEC spouse program on mental health, a field in which Kim has been actively involved and interested.

Kim has been paying attention to activities for mental health, including attending the conversation for mental health ‘It’s okay, don’t worry’ last September.