Kim Hea Kyung
Kim Hea Kyung
Full Name: Kim Hea Kyung
Native Name: 김혜경
Role: First Lady of South Korea
Spouse: Lee Jae-myung
Children: Two
Nationality: South Korean
Years Active as First Lady: 4 June 2025–present
Introduction
As the wife of President Lee Jae-myung, Kim Hea Kyung serves as the First Lady of the Republic of Korea (South Korea). She became First Lady on 4 June 2025, when her husband assumed the presidency following his election victory. �
Wikipedia +1
A former pianist who has generally maintained a relatively private life, Kim Hea Kyung has adopted a notably understated approach to the First Ladyship. Rather than seeking the political spotlight, she has focused much of her public role on welfare, cultural diplomacy, charitable activities, and representing South Korea alongside the President at major international engagements.
Her public appearances have included meetings with foreign leaders’ spouses, cultural events, overseas state visits, and initiatives concerning children’s welfare. In 2026, she participated in First Ladies’ programs during the G7 summit and accompanied President Lee on diplomatic visits to countries including France, Singapore, and Brazil. �
Korea.kr +2
Official Title: First Lady of the Republic of Korea
As the spouse of the President of the Republic of Korea, Kim Hea Kyung serves as the nation’s First Lady.
The First Lady is not a constitutional office, but the position carries important ceremonial, diplomatic, and humanitarian responsibilities. She accompanies the President on state visits, participates in diplomatic programs with other leaders’ spouses, attends national ceremonies, and supports social and cultural initiatives.
Kim Hea Kyung has particularly emphasized children’s welfare, cultural exchange, charitable activities, and social causes while maintaining a low-key public profile. �
Yonhap News +1
Early Life
Kim Hea Kyung was born on 12 September 1966 in Seoul, South Korea.
She studied at Sookmyung Women’s University, where she earned a degree in music, and trained as a pianist. Her background in music and the arts has complemented her later interest in cultural diplomacy and Korea’s artistic heritage.
Before becoming First Lady, she largely lived outside the national spotlight compared with her husband, who had built a long career in law and politics.
Family Life
Kim Hea Kyung married Lee Jae-myung in 1991.
The couple have two children. Throughout Lee’s rise from local political leader to national presidential candidate and eventually President, Kim remained a close companion and supporter while maintaining a comparatively private family life.
Her restrained public presence has continued since entering the presidential role.
Becoming First Lady
On 4 June 2025, Lee Jae-myung was inaugurated as President of South Korea, making Kim Hea Kyung the First Lady.
She entered the role following a period of considerable political upheaval in South Korea. From the beginning of her tenure, she adopted a more reserved style, limiting political commentary and concentrating instead on social, cultural, and humanitarian activities. �
South China Morning Post +1
Public Role
As First Lady, Kim Hea Kyung accompanies President Lee during major diplomatic engagements and participates in programs involving foreign leaders’ spouses.
Her activities have included cultural diplomacy, children’s welfare, charitable initiatives, and the promotion of Korean culture. During a state visit by Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, she presented Brazil’s First Lady Rosângela Lula da Silva with a traditional hanbok and participated in cultural activities highlighting Korean craftsmanship. �
Yonhap News
She has also participated in international programs focused on children’s rights and protection, including the G7 First Spouses’ program in France. �
Korea.kr
A Symbol of Quiet Diplomacy
Kim Hea Kyung has developed a First Ladyship defined more by quiet diplomacy than political visibility.
Her relatively restrained approach distinguishes her from some of South Korea’s more prominent recent presidential spouses. She has largely avoided political issues in her independent public appearances, instead concentrating on welfare, culture, volunteerism, and humanitarian causes. �
South China Morning Post +1
This understated style has allowed her to cultivate an image of dignity, discretion, and cultural representation.
Legacy in Progress
Since becoming First Lady in 2025, Kim Hea Kyung has begun establishing a public role centered on culture, compassion, and international goodwill.
Her engagement with other First Ladies, promotion of Korean cultural traditions, and participation in children’s welfare initiatives have given her an increasingly visible place in South Korea’s diplomatic life. As President Lee Jae-myung’s administration continues, she remains a graceful and comparatively private representative of South Korea on the world stage.
- 12 September 1966
- Korea
- Lee Jae-myung
- 04 June 2025-present
