Mrs. Kim “Korean society is more exhausted by excessive competition”.

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

Kim Geon-hee, wife of President Yoon Seok-yeol, attended the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Spouse Program and stated that South Korea’s excessive competitiveness is a problem and that solutions should be considered.

On the morning of the 17th (local time), Mrs. Kim attended the ‘APEC Spouse Program’ held at ‘Apple Park’, Apple’s headquarters, on the topic of mental health. The program, hosted by Jill Biden, wife of U.S. President Joe Biden, was attended by the spouses of the heads of state of Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, and the Philippines, as well as Tim Cook, CEO of Apple. Rosé of the girl group ‘Blackpink’ also participated at the invitation of Mrs. Biden.

Lee Do-won, a spokesperson, explained in a written briefing that “In the discussion on mental health, Mrs. Biden mentioned that communication between people has become smoother with modern technology, but efforts must also be made for mental health, such as isolation and anxiety.” Mrs. Kim also expressed agreement, stating, “In Korea, we are very conscious of each other in a competitive society,” and “A lot of emotions get involved due to excessive competitiveness, and we also get more tired.”

The participants agreed that mental health is also a global issue and that a change in perception is needed to openly discuss it along with physical health.

Singer Rosé also said, “The journey to becoming a successful singer was not easy, and there are still occasional difficulties, but I realized the importance of valuing my own worth,” and “I hope my music can inspire and comfort many people.”

According to the presidential office, Mrs. Kim expressed gratitude to Rosé for sharing her difficult story.

Kim Geon-hee, who participated in the official spouse program of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit, is listening to Blackpink’s Rosé’s speech at a ‘Dialogue on Mental Health’ held at Apple Park in Cupertino, California, on the 17th (local time). San Francisco=Yonhap News

After the discussion, the spouses of the leaders visited the Apple Experience Space and took a look at the demonstration of mental health technology in Apple’s new products to be launched next year. They then took a walk around Apple Park and visited Apple’s circular office building.

Mrs. Kim commented, “Apple Park is an innovative building from an environmental standpoint,” and “The fact that there are ‘serenity rooms’ for meditation and prayer in all buildings is also part of the efforts for mental health.” She added, “I hope there will be more such spaces in Korea.”