Mrs. Kim Gun-hee, “Korean society is becoming more exhausted by excessive competition.”

Kim Geun-hee, the wife of South Korean President Yoon Seok-yeol, speaks at a discussion on mental health at Apple Park in Cupertino, California, on November 17 (local time). From the left are Apple CEO Tim Cook, Kim Geun-hee, and Rosé from BLACKPINK. San Francisco=Yonhap News

Kim Geun-hee, the wife of South Korean President Yoon Seok-yeol, attended the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Spouses’ Program and emphasized the need to address South Korea’s excessive competitive spirit.

Kim attended the ‘APEC Spouses’ Program’ held at Apple Park, Apple’s headquarters, on the morning of November 17 (local time). The program, centered around mental health, was hosted by Jill Biden, the wife of U.S. President Joe Biden. The spouses of the leaders of Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, and the Philippines, as well as Apple CEO Tim Cook, were present. Rosé from the girl group BLACKPINK also attended at the invitation of Jill Biden.

Presidential spokesperson Lee Do-woon said in a written briefing, “During the discussion on mental health, Jill Biden mentioned that modern technology has made communication easier, but we must also strive for mental health to combat feelings of isolation and anxiety.” Kim agreed, saying, “In Korea, there is a strong consciousness of each other in a competitive society. This excessive competitive spirit often leads to emotional involvement and exhaustion.”

The attendees agreed that mental health is a global issue and that there needs to be a shift in perception to openly discuss it alongside physical health.

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

According to the Presidential Office, Kim expressed her gratitude to Rosé for sharing her challenging experiences.

Kim Geun-hee, who participated in the official spouse program of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, listens to BLACKPINK’s Rosé’s remarks at a discussion on mental health held at Apple Park in Cupertino, California, on November 17 (local time). San Francisco=Yonhap News

After the discussion, the spouses toured the Apple Experience Space, where they previewed Apple’s new products set to launch next year and their mental health technology demonstrations. They then took a walk around Apple Park and visited Apple’s circular office building.

Kim praised Apple Park as an “innovative building in terms of environmental aspects,” and noted that every building has a ‘serenity room’ for meditation and prayer as part of their efforts for mental health. She added, “I hope there will be more such spaces in Korea.”