South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol surprised everyone with his musical talent during the White House state dinner on Wednesday.
After a musical medley by three Broadway stars, First Lady Jill Biden requested the trio sing one more song—Yoon’s favorite, "American Pie"—which was made famous by singer Don McLean in 1971.
The South Korean leader then took the microphone and delivered a brief rendition, followed by a full performance to huge cheers and a standing ovation from guests. President Joe Biden led the acclaim for his counterpart's musical abilities, and even handed him an autographed guitar from McLean himself.
The room cheered at the sight of the politician very clearly enjoying himself as he performed the first verse of the classic song.
You can see the performance below.
South Korean President Yoon sings 'American Pie'www.youtube.com
The footage circulated on social media as well when journalists like Reuters White House correspondent Jeff Mason shared it.
\u201cUnexpected moment at the state dinner when the president of South Korea sings \u201cAmerican Pie.\u201d\u201d— Jeff Mason (@Jeff Mason) 1682563919
Footage of the performance quickly went viral and prompted many to express their
Many viewed the performance as an example of camaraderie between American politicians and their allies.
\u201c@jeffmason1 @wuerker So cool! And so glad to see people having fun at The White House again.\u201d— Jeff Mason (@Jeff Mason) 1682563919
\u201c@jeffmason1 Too bad they didn\u2019t sing the chorus - that\u2019s the best part, a big crowd sing along! But he\u2019s got a great singing voice \u2014\u201d— Jeff Mason (@Jeff Mason) 1682563919
\u201c@jeffmason1 So unlike Ron DeSantis stiffly trying to act like a human being with foreign dignitaries looking at him like "Who is this poser?" this week. This is American allies feeling totally comfortable with American politicians.\u201d— Jeff Mason (@Jeff Mason) 1682563919
\u201c@jeffmason1 To see the joy in the people\u2019s house again is nice!\u201d— Jeff Mason (@Jeff Mason) 1682563919
\u201c@jeffmason1 This was great! I saw it on MSNBC this morning... totally unexpected. \ud83d\ude42\ud83d\ude43\u201d— Jeff Mason (@Jeff Mason) 1682563919
\u201c@jeffmason1 @mkraju Incredible moment! Beautiful old song.\u201d— Jeff Mason (@Jeff Mason) 1682563919
\u201c@jeffmason1 Music has returned to the White House\u2026\u201d— Jeff Mason (@Jeff Mason) 1682563919
\u201c@jeffmason1 @tweetodee Extending the hand of friendship is a forgotten art in diplomacy these days. It fills your heart to see it.\u201d— Jeff Mason (@Jeff Mason) 1682563919
The performance came after the two leaders announced an agreement to counter North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s nuclear threats, and amid Yoon's six-day state visit to Washington to mark the 70th anniversary of the U.S. and South Korea's alliance.
The South Korean President's visit also included an opportunity to address a joint meeting of Congress on Thursday.
Despite the post-dinner entertainment and the guest stars, Yoon's performance was the talk of the night, with movie star Angelina Jolie among the guests who gave him a standing ovation.
"American Pie," which was written by Don McLean, has become a symbol of American popular culture and has been sung in karaoke bars and venues around the world.
The musical performance was a welcome change from the recent leak of classified Defense Department documents.
In an exclusive interview with NBC News, Yoon said that it will not affect the relationship between the two countries. As the South Korean president's visit continues, he has proven that he is not only a skilled politician, but a talented performer as well.
Jane Rosenberg
Jane Rosenberg
@arianagrande/Instagram
@arianagrande/Instagram