King's funny question as he tours UK’s 'Koreatown' ahead of visit to country
The King was presented with an elaborately wrapped kimchi during a visit to the UK’s “Koreatown” on Wednesday, asking: “Will it blow my head off?”
Charles, 74, was in New Malden to do his homework on South Korean culture and cuisine ahead of an incoming state visit. South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol and his wife, Kim Keon Hee, will visit the UK from November 21 - 23.
The King appeared fascinated with how North Koreans manage to leave the country, asking members of the local community how they crossed the border. He admired a display of Korean food and watched a contemporary Korean dance performance before admirably trying, but failing, to open a fan with a flick of his wrist.
He left laden with gifts including the kimchi, a Korean recipe book, an Earl Grey flavoured birthday cake and a special balloon arrangement ahead of his 75th birthday next week. “I shall know a lot more before the president arrives,” he noted proudly.
The King was doing his homework ahead of a state visit by The President of the Republic of Korea and the First Lady later this month (Getty Images)
King Charles pictured with Korean Ambassador to the UK Yeocheol YoonKing (right) (PA)New Malden, in the London borough of Kingston upon Thames, is reputedly one of the most densely populated areas of Koreans outside South Korea and is sometimes described as Koreatown. There are estimated to be around 10,000 Koreans in New Malden itself and up to 20,000 Koreans in surrounding areas.
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The King arrived at New Malden Methodist Church to the sound of K-pop blasting from a speaker and a huge, cheering crowd that had braved pouring rain to see him. He was greeted by local dignitaries including Yeocheol Yoon, ambassador to the UK, before asking an aide if he could go and say hello to the onlookers, who were chanting "Long live the King."
Inside, Charles, who wore a traditional red poppy as well as a black poppy rose - which commemorates the contributions of black, African and Caribbean communities to the war effort, met representatives from a series of community groups including the Korean Residents Society, the Korean Restaurant and Supermarkets Association.
King Charles III looks at Korean cuisine and speaks to the chef, during a visit to New Malden Methodist Church, south west London, to meet the Korean community (PA)He asked if there were lots of Korean shops in New Malden and asked several Koreans how long they had lived in the UK. “When did you get here? How long ago?” He asked one lady wearing traditional dress. Told she had been here more than 30 years, he replied: “You’re not regretting it I hope?” He asked another: “Are more people coming? Can you get back much?”
The King viewed an exhibition on the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, organised by the Korean British Cultural Exchange in collaboration with Kingston Museum, before signing two visitors' books.
He appeared delighted to be presented with the recipe book and the kimchi, a traditional fermented cabbage. “Will it blow my head off?” he laughed, before asking: “Does it keep?”
Chatting to one man who works with refugees, he asked: “How do North Koreans get out?” He was told that most cross the Chinese border. “To find their way here is quite something,” he observed. Timothy Cho, a North Korean refugee who works with an all parliamentary group on North Korea, revealed he had crossed the border twice and was imprisoned four times before finally making it to the UK.
King Charles greets wellwishers upon arrival at New Malden Methodist Church (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)“The King asked if I crossed the border into China,” he said afterwards. “He also asked if we had left family behind in North Korea He pays attention. We have been raising this issue in parliament - about how the UK can help them (people fleeing North Korea) when they get over the border and prevent China from sending them back.”
With the next group, Charles discussed his love of Bollywood dancing, though admitted he would have to improve his technique next time he visits India. John Azah, CEO of Kingston Race and Equalities Council, wished the King a happy birthday for next week. “How did you know?” came the reply. “I can’t escape.”
Charles appeared entranced by a contemporary dance performance accompanied by the local London Korean Hummingbirds Choir. The dancer, Suyoung Park, painted on a fan as she moved to the music before presenting the fan to the King at the end. She then encouraged him to try and flick the fan open with one hand, which he tried multiple times without success. He later declared the dance “marvellous” and said it was a “wonderful moment” when she opened the fan.
King Charles talks with joint owner of the Cake & BingSoo Shop, Kim Jong-soon (right) during a visit to their shop (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)Next door, at the Korean-owned cake shop, Cake & Bing Soo, His Majesty was told about bing soo, a Korean delicacy that is similar to ice cream. “What is she putting in there?” he asked as he watched it being made. “Does the recipe go back a very long way?”
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Charles was presented with his birthday cake, which he noted should probably go in the fridge, and chatted to a group of local students about K-Pop. Outside, there was time for a walkabout as he spent time greeting many of the hundreds who had turned out to see him and a chat with the local Royal British Legion branch at the New Malden War Memorial.
“Are you going to the Cenotaph (on Sunday) or do you do your own thing down here?” he asked one veteran.
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