South Korean president sings 'American Pie' at dinner with Biden 

At a White House State Dinner with President Joe Biden on Wednesday, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol impressed guests by singing the 1970’s popular hit “American Pie.” 

“We know this is one of your favorite songs, American Pie,” Biden told Yoon at his State Dinner for the Republic of Korea. "We want to hear you sing it."

“It’s been a while, but …” said the South Korean president, who is known to love Karaoke back home.

Without hesitating, Yoon grabbed the microphone from the president’s hand. After saying a few words in Korean, he began singing the smash hit song a capella. 

As soon as the song ended, the crowd broke into applause and cheers, congratulating the South Korean president for his wonderful performance of the American song and for sharing his love of American music. 

"The next state dinner we’re going to have, you’re looking at the entertainment," Biden told the South Korean president. "I had no damn idea you could sing."

After the performance, Yoon was also gifted a guitar with the signature of “American Pie” singer and songwriter Don McLean, who had been unable to join them for the dinner. 

"I understand that you like the guitar as well," Biden told Yoon as he handed him the guitar.

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

The night was followed by performances by Lea Salonga, Norm Lewis, and Jessica Voski performed a medley of five classic Broadway hits: "This Is The Moment," "Happy Days Are Here Again," "On My Own," "Don't Rain On My Parade," and "Somewhere."

The South Korean president is on a six-day visit to Washington to meet with Biden and other state officials. Earlier on Wednesday, Biden and Yoon signed an agreement to increase the number of U.S. nuclear submarines stationed in South Korea in an effort to deter North Korea’s nuclear threats.

Yoon’s visit to the White House took place in the same week that marks the 70th anniversary of the alliance between the U.S. and South Korea, which was formed after the Korean War.