직접 만나보니... 마크롱, 완전 달랐다! The Real Macron? A Closer Look at President Macron

French President Emmanuel Macron paid a state visit to Korea on April 2 and 3 to commemorate the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and France. I have reflected on the impressions and memories of President Macron that I have experienced firsthand, from his time as Minister of Economy in 2015, to the state banquet at the Élysée Palace in France in 2018, and now this visit to Korea. President Macron has always left a deep impression with his quick thinking, clear logic, and his attitude of listening to others until the very end. Above all, the atmosphere he creates, which naturally puts people at ease, felt like a charm distinct from the image seen on the news. On the second day of his visit, at the Future Dialogue with the business community, I was able to greet him in person and take a selfie with him for the first time in a while. I was also impressed by his warmth; he initiated a conversation after noticing the Legion of Honor ribbon on my jacket. It was also memorable to see him sharing stories about music and movies during a relaxed dinner with Korean artists, and walking along Jongno 3-ga Street while mingling with citizens and buying and eating walnut pastries. This visit went beyond a simple diplomatic schedule, serving as a moment that demonstrated a different form of diplomacy: maintaining relationships through culture and people. Shall we watch the video together? Last week, President Emmanuel Macron of France paid a state visit to Korea to commemorate the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and France. From my first encounter with him in 2015, when he visited as Minister of Economy to the state banquet at the Élysée Palace in 2018, and now this recent visit, I found myself reflecting on the impressions he left on me through these moments. What stood out most was his quick thinking, clear logic, and his ability to truly listen. More than anything, his natural way of putting people at ease revealed a side of him that feels quite different from the image often seen in the media. On the second day of his visit, I had the chance to greet him again at the Korea-France Business Dialogue and even take a selfie together. He noticed my Légion d’honneur insignia and kindly started a conversation, which left a lasting impression. He also spent time with Korean artists over a relaxed dinner, sharing conversations about music and film. Later, he was seen walking through Jongno, enjoying Korean walnut cakes with locals. These were moments that felt both genuine and memorable. This visit went beyond a formal diplomatic schedule, showing how connections can be built through culture and people. #President Macron #France #KoreaFrance #EmmanuelMacron #Lee Boo-jin #Lee Jae-yong #Chung Eui-sun #Lee Bae