At a celebration for the ‘Lee Kun-hee Collection,’ the US commerce secretary stressed “investment is an obligation” [Lee Sang-eun’s Washington Now]

Around 6 p.m. on the 28th (local time), as dusk fell, the area in front of the National Museum of Asian Art (NMAA) near the National Mall in Washington, DC, was quietly bustling. Large black vehicles repeatedly pulled up to drop off guests and drove away. Although subzero cold persisted after the heavy snowfall, guests in relatively light party attire looked visibly excited. US senators including Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Bill Hagerty (R-Tennessee) and Andy Kim (D-New Jersey), along with figures from business and politics such as Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Euisun Chung and Applied Materials CEO Gary Dickerson, filed past the photo line in succession.

Samsung Group held a gala event that day to mark the successful first overseas exhibition of the “Lee Kun-hee Collection,” composed of works donated by the late Lee Kun-hee, former chairman of Samsung Electronics. After a viewing tour of the exhibition at the NMAA, a reception and the main program followed from around 6:30 p.m. at the Smithsonian Arts and Industries Building (AIB).

Introducing the spirit of “serving the nation through culture”

The event was both an opportunity to showcase Samsung Group’s social-contribution activities on the global stage and a moment to reflect on the spirit of the US–Korea alliance. Leading political figures in Washington as well as CEOs of global companies gathered in force. A significant number of figures from the arts and culture community also took part.

Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong visited the venue earlier, around 3 p.m., to conduct a final check on preparations. Members of the Samsung family—including former Leeum Museum of Art Director Hong Ra-hee, Hotel Shilla President Lee Boo-jin, Samsung C&T President Lee Seo-hyun and Samsung Global Research President Kim Jae-youl—turned out in full to welcome guests. Lee’s daughter, Lee Won-joo, and Lee Boo-jin’s son, Lim Dong-hyun, also attended. In particular, Lee Boo-jin drew attention as she entered affectionately linking arms with her tall, solidly built son.

In his welcoming remarks, Lee introduced the late chairman’s emphasis on pride in Korean culture and the philanthropic philosophy that underpinned his art donations—“munhwa boguk” (repaying the nation through culture). He added that he believed the exhibition would serve as an opportunity for the peoples of the US and Korea to grow closer.

Lee also extended a special invitation to Korean War veterans—described as “the roots of the US–Korea alliance.” He praised them, saying that without the sacrifice of more than 36,000 veterans, Korea’s prosperity would not have been possible, and expressed deep gratitude by shaking hands with each of the four veterans in attendance.

Lutnick stresses “investment”

The event also carried significance for White House officials. Led by Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer, White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Director Michael Kratsios, and Deputy Secretary of Defense Michael Duff visited the venue, strengthening their engagement with Samsung.

According to accounts from attendees, in congratulatory remarks Lutnick praised Korea’s economic development and stressed that the “real cooperation” needed between the two countries right now was investment in the United States. He said such investment in the US is not a “choice” but “fulfilling an obligation that was promised,” chanting “investment, investment, investment.” He also praised Samsung as an “exemplary company” that is doing such investment well.

Lutnick also reportedly told some participants in conversation—regarding US President Donald Trump’s remarks on the 26th, when he threatened higher tariffs citing slow progress in passing related legislation (the Special Act on Investment in the US) in the National Assembly—that “the Korean National Assembly has to approve it.”

Leaders from both parties also gathered en masse. From the Republican Party, eight senators attended, including Cruz of Texas, home to a semiconductor plant; Tim Scott of South Carolina, home to an appliance plant; Tim Sheehy and Steve Daines (Montana); Tommy Tuberville (Alabama); Jim Banks (Indiana); and Hagerty (Tennessee). From the Democratic Party, senators including Kim of New Jersey, where Samsung’s North American headquarters is located, as well as Chris Coons (Delaware), Gary Peters (Michigan), Jack Reed (Rhode Island), Maria Cantwell (Washington) and Peter Welch (Vermont) were present. Maryland Governor Wes Moore and Ambassador Kang Kyung-wha of the Republic of Korea to the United States also lent their presence.

The exhibition, which opened one week later than originally scheduled due to the impact of the federal government shutdown last November, has increasingly gained traction through word of mouth over time, establishing itself as a “must-see” exhibition across the US East Coast. Korean American visitors, who had long felt a lack of opportunities to see Korean cultural heritage on display, often return multiple times—bringing family, friends and various groups. Many also reacted that they felt “grateful beyond being moved.” Non-Korean visitors welcomed the rare chance to enjoy the “original source” of the K-culture boom that has swept in at just the right moment. Particular attention was drawn to a lion statue, reminiscent of the tiger character (Duffy) from “K-pop Demon Hunters,” which gained popularity after streaming on Netflix last year, as well as the Irworobongdo (Sun, Moon and Five Peaks) screen that appeared as the backdrop for the theme song “Golden.”

A total of about 61,000 people had visited the exhibition as of that day. The museum expects roughly 65,000 visitors by the closing date of Feb. 1. That works out to an average of 874 visitors per day—more than twice the attendance of similarly sized exhibitions held at the Smithsonian. The exhibition will continue afterward at the Art Institute of Chicago in March and at the British Museum in London, UK, in September.

Washington=Correspondent Lee Sang-eun selee@hankyung.com