HOLLYWOOD'S HEART AND SEOUL: From Angelina Jolie to Lea Salonga, all celebs attending WH state dinner
WASHINGTON, DC: President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden treated South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and his wife, Kim Keon-hee, to a tour of the Korean War Memorial on the National Mall and presented them with gifts on Tuesday, April 25. This visit comes ahead of the second state dinner of the Biden administration, which will take place on Wednesday, April 26, with celebrity guests like Angelina Jolie and Lea Salonga among others, and a menu consisting of crab cakes, short ribs, butter bean grits, and banana splits.
Vice President Kamala Harris took Yoon on a tour of the Goddard Space Center earlier in the day to begin his official state visit. They also met with Judy Wade, who is the niece of Corporal Luther Story. Corporal Luther Story was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor in 1951 for his courageous actions during the Korean War.
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Who is attending the White House state dinner?
Approximately 200 guests are invited to honor the president of South Korea. Some of the guests include:
Angelina Jolie and son Maddox
Actress Angelina Jolie and her son Maddox will attend the state dinner at the White House. A White House official confirmed their attendance. Jolie, who is known for her political activism, previously visited the White House in September 2021 to discuss the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act and also lobbied Congress on the issue during her trip.
Celebrity chef Edward Lee
The upcoming White House state dinner is expected to showcase Asian American talent, featuring a menu created by celebrity chef Edward Lee. Chef Lee has crafted a menu with the main course featuring a braised short rib served with butter bean grits, sorghum-glazed carrots, and pine nuts. The Bidens requested ice cream for dessert, which will be a fusion banana split topped with caramel flavored with doenjang, a Korean soybean paste.
Lea Salonga
Tony Award-winning actor and singer Salonga, best known for her roles in Broadway productions such as 'Miss Saigon' and for voicing multiple Disney characters including Princess Jasmine in 'Aladdin' and Mulan in 'Mulan' and 'Mulan II' will be in attendance alongside fellow Broadway stars Norm Lewis ('Les Misérables') and Jessica Vosk ('Wicked') at the White House state dinner. "I’m beyond honored to have been invited by President and Doctor Biden to perform at the White House," Salonga told NBC News. "As we head into AAPI Heritage month, Asian Americans continuing to be represented on a global scale is so important and I’m grateful for the opportunity to help in that representation at such an important event."
In a preview of the state dinner, the first lady said that the decor was designed to highlight "the harmony of our cultures and our people intertwined." Upon entering the East Room, guests will be greeted with stunning landscape designs featuring iconic American symbols such as the American Bison, the American Bald Eagle, roses, and stars, as well as Korean images including the Korean magpie and Korean tiger.
This is what the tables and decor will look like at the state dinner with South Korea at the White House on Wednesday. pic.twitter.com/DfHp26qOFG
— Jeff Mason (@jeffmason1) April 24, 2023
The inspiration for the decorations came from the Taegeuk, the central symbol on the flag of the Republic of Korea, which embodies balance, harmony, and peace, according to the White House. The decor also honors the 70-year alliance between the US and South Korea, with platinum-colored table linens and flowers that hold significance in both countries.
Will BTS' Jimin be there?
People on Twitter shared their opinions about the celebrities attending the White House dinner. One excited user, who spotted Jolie at the Washington airport, tweeted saying, "The QUEEN has arrived #AngelinaJolie #WashingtonDC #StateDinner." One user wondered if Jimin from BTS would be in attendance. "Um……hey Army…..I know we are excited for Jimin being in New York for Tiffany opening and Yoongi’s concert…..but did anybody realize that the Whitehouse is having a state dinner for the President of South Korea on Wednesday American celebrities will be there….soooo."
The QUEEN has arrived 🙏🙏 #AngelinaJolie #WashingtonDC #StateDinner pic.twitter.com/oGBuxgk3pt
— Marky Mark (@DCCelebrity) April 26, 2023
Um……hey Army…..I know we are excited for Jimin being in New York for Tiffany opening and Yoongi’s concert…..but did anybody realize that the Whitehouse is having a state dinner for the President of South Korea on Wednesday😳 American celebrities will be there….soooo🤔
— MyDolinca1 (@MDolinca189558) April 26, 2023
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