South Korean president and known karaoke fan Yoon Suk Yeol delighted state dinner guests at the White House when he sang Don McLean’s American Pie, receiving a standing ovation.
American President Joe Biden invited Mr Yoon up onto the stage at the end of the dinner held in the South Korean leader’s honour at the end of a six-day state visit, in which they discussed “the end” of any North Korean regime that used nuclear weapons against the allies.
Striking a lighter note to proceedings, Mr Biden said to Mr Yoon in front of the crowd: “We know this is one of your favourite songs, American Pie”. Mr Yoon, 62, responded that he had loved the song since he was at school.
“We want to hear you sing it,” Mr Biden responded. “It’s been a while, but …” Mr Yoon said, taking the microphone.
Mr Yoon belted out the first few lines of the song to rapturous applause from the crowd and delighting the American president and first lady Jill Biden.
“The next state dinner we’re going to have, you’re looking at the entertainment,” Mr Biden told the crowd, and turning to Mr Yoon, said: “I had no damn idea you could sing.”
Though McLean, 77, could not attend the White House for the evening, he had sent a signed guitar, which Mr Biden presented to Mr Yoon.
Nearly 200 guests were at the dinner, including actor Angelina Jolie.
Yoon’s performance came after a day of talks between Biden and Yoon that covered issues including North Korea, semiconductor chips, trade, and the Ukraine war.
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