Angelina Jolie was among guests at a White House state dinner that ended with South Korean president Yoon Suk-yeol singing Don McLean’s American Pie.
President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden hosted Mr Yoon and his wife Kim Keon-hee in celebration of the 70th anniversary of the US-ROK alliance.
Actress and humanitarian Jolie attended with her eldest child, Maddox, 21, who studied biochemistry at Yonsei University in Seoul.
They were treated to the surprise performance from the South Korean leader as part of the entertainment for the evening in the State Dining Room
After Broadway stars sang a number of musical hits Ms Biden announced a special encore: a serenade by the singers of the pop song “American Pie,” a favourite song of Mr Yoon’s.
When the singers finished, the US president said to Mr Yoon “We want to hear you sing it.”
Unexpected moment at the state dinner when the president of South Korea sings “American Pie.” pic.twitter.com/Dus6BiBU9E
— Jeff Mason (@jeffmason1) April 27, 2023
Mr Yoon said “It’s been a while, but …” before taking the mic and belting out the first stanzas of the song, in English and in tune.
He received a standing ovation, with Biden telling him he had “no damn idea” he could sing, before presenting him with a guitar signed by McLean.
During the state visit, The US and South Korea have secured a landmark deal to counter the North Korean nuclear threat.
Washington has agreed to periodically deploy US nuclear-armed submarines to South Korea and involve Seoul in its nuclear planning operations.
In return, South Korea has agreed to not develop its own nuclear weapons.
Mr Biden said the Washington Declaration would strengthen the allies’ co-operation in deterring a North Korean attack.
Concern has been rising on both sides about the nuclear threat posed by Pyongyang, which is developing tactical nuclear weapons that can target South Korea, and refining its long-range weapons that can reach the US mainland.
