Mentions of ABBA and the Han River: “Sweden Feels Familiar”
On the 15th, President Lee Jae-myung welcomed Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden during her visit to South Korea, stating, “Sweden is the ideal model for a welfare state that Korea aims to become.”
During the meeting at the presidential office in Yongsan, President Lee remarked, “Korea and Sweden share a very special relationship.” He noted that Swedes are warmly regarded in Korea, mentioning the globally renowned Swedish pop group ABBA, active since the 1970s, and last year’s Nobel Prize in Literature awarded to author Han Kang by the Swedish Royal Academy.
In response, Crown Princess Victoria expressed her gratitude for the warm welcome, stating, “This visit is a highly anticipated and important one. I am delighted to be here with our Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Housing and Urban Development.”
She further commented, “I see this visit as a great opportunity to enhance and strengthen the bilateral relationship and engage in discussions on various topics.”
President Lee remarked on the season, saying, “It’s a perfect time to visit Korea, although I’m not sure if it’s better than Sweden.” Crown Princess Victoria replied, “Today has been an incredibly beautiful day.”
Crown Princess Victoria, accompanied by ministers and a business delegation of 15 companies, is on an official visit to South Korea from the 15th to the 17th.
Before meeting President Lee, Crown Princess Victoria held an official meeting with Prime Minister Kim Min-seok. They discussed cooperation in key areas such as culture, creative industries, peace and security, and green transition, reaffirming a sustainable innovation-focused partnership.