Photos: Behind The Scenes At The State Dinner For The Republic Of Korea

The pre-dinner reception in the Yellow Room, and the musical performances...
The White House has released behind-the-scenes photos taken on Thursday night, as President Obama and First Lady Obama honored President Lee Myung-bak and Mrs. Kim Yoon-ok of the Republic of Korea with an 8:35 PM State Dinner for more than 200 guests in the lavishly decorated East Room. Before the dinner began, there was a reception in the Yellow Room. The First Lady's purple, one-shoulder gown for the evening was created by Korean-American designer Doo-Ri Chung. Mrs. Kim wore a traditional costume from her homeland, as is her habit for formal occasions. (Above: Mrs. Obama and Mrs. Kim chat with guests during the reception)

Mrs. Obama and Mrs. Kim took a diplomatic field trip on Thursday to Annandale High School, to visit with students. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton took a "field trip" with President Obama on Wednesday night, joining him as he treated President Lee to a traditional Korean dinner at Woo Lae Oak restaurant in suburban Virginia. (Above, Clinton talks with fellow dinner guests Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Counsel to the President Kathryn Ruemmler during the Yellow Room reception)

The South Korean First Couple arrived at the White House on the tail end of a violent storm, and there was a very brief, soggy Arrival Ceremony under the North Portico, where they were welcomed to the White House by the President and Mrs. Obama.

The dinner menu was a Fall Harvest feast, created by Executive Chef Cris Comerford and Executive Pastry Chef Bill Yosses. They were called to the State Dining Room and introduced to guests at the end of the dinner. Click here for a behind-the-scenes video about dinner preparations. (Above: The Presidential Couples with their translators at the Head Table, which seated twenty).

Other than the principles, all guests were seated at round tables for ten, and the color scheme spotlighted Fall: Reds, greens, oranges. The lavish autumnal decor for the evening was created by a professional design firm hired by the White House, and the inspiration was '"American Hospitality," the White House said.

During the Dinner Toasts, the two Presidents spoke of "bonds of the heart," and their mutual affection.

After dinner, guests were treated to a reception in the State Dining Room at 10:00 PM. The Ahn Trio, sisters who were born in South Korea and who play piano, violin, and cello, performed. Singer/songwriter Janelle Monáe, of Kansas City, KS, performed with her band. All four dined during the State Dinner with the guests. (Above, during the performances, from left: Vice President Joe Biden, Dr. Jill Biden, Mrs. Obama, President Lee, President Obama, and Mrs. Kim)

Guests included lawmakers, Cabinet Secretaries, some famous faces from the media, tennis legend Billie Jean King, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg, high-profile business executives, the Korean delegations, and notable Korean Americans. Two guests got a Presidential shout out during the dinner toasts: UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, and Ambassador Sung Kim, the first Korean-American ambassador to the Republic of Korea, who was confirmed by the Senate today. (Above: The Ahn Trio performing)

At the end of the evening, the President and Mrs. Obama bid their counterparts farewell in the Diplomatic Reception Room. Today, Mr. Obama and Mr. Lee are traveling to the Detroit, Michigan area to tour an auto plant. (Above: The farewells)

*A post about the morning State Visit Arrival Ceremony is here. The Presidents' joint news conference is here.

*Photos by Pete Souza/White House

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A Presidential Thank You For The Chefs

President Obama and First Lady Obama summoned their Top Toques to the East Room on Thursday night to introduce them to the more than 200 guests invited to the State Dinner in honor of President Lee Myung-bak of the Republic of Korea.

The guests paused after dessert to give Executive Chef Cristeta Comerford and Executive Pastry Chef Bill Yosses a round of applause for the four-course extravaganza. (Above: Yosses is at right. Vice President Joe Biden smiles at left)

The Fall Harvest menu commingled flourishes from traditional Korean cuisine with American favorites; the main course was a Texas Wagyu Beef rib-eye, with an Orange-Ginger Fondue, accompanied by Sauteed Kale and Roasted Kabocha Squash. Click here to read more about the menu, and watch a video filmed in the kitchen during prep. The post has links to all other State Dinner posts.

*Pete Souza photo

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State Dinner Toast: "Bonds Of The Heart" For President Obama And President Lee

Intimate Presidential toasts at State Dinner include meditations on the Korean concept of jeong...
Standing in the softly glowing East Room, filled with lush floral arrangements that featured hundreds of apples and chrysanthemums, President Obama and South Korea's President Lee Myung-bak toasted their personal friendship and diplomatic alliance at the beginning of the State Dinner. The two have met six times in the last three years, in Washington, in Seoul, and at G20 summits, and they described their relationship in intimate terms. President Obama spoke about "the bonds of the heart that can never be broken," while President Lee hailed his "great, close friend." (Above: The Presidents raise their glasses)

"The essence of our alliance, I think, is embodied in a concept that is uniquely Korean. It doesn’t translate that easily," Mr. Obama said. "But it reflects the deep affection, the bonds of the heart that cannot be broken and that grow stronger with time. Our Korean friends know it well -- jeong."

The two, both clad in tuxedoes, stood by the Head Table in front of the fireplace, and spoke to the 222 guests seated at round tables who would shortly be enjoying an elegant feast designed to pay homage to both American and Korean culinary traditions.

Mr. Obama said he has felt jeong in Korean American communities, in the "melting pot" of Hawaii as a child, and while visiting Korea, especially during his most recent visit, when he marked Veterans Day with Korean and American vets on the 60th anniversary of the Korean War.

"And I felt this jeong in my friendship with President Lee," President Obama said, and heralded his rise from a poverty stricken childhood to the presidency as "an inspiration."

"Your success, Korea’s success, speaks to the truth that, with education and hard work, anything is possible," President Obama said. "It’s a spirit our countries share. You’ve described it in Korean, and in English, it translates as: 'Yes, we can.'"

Mr. Obama got laughter and applause. "It sounds good in Korean, too," he added.



The President had opened by warning that his toast would be brief--President Lee had "a very full day and a very wet day," Mr. Obama said--and he finished by complimenting First Lady Kim Yoon-ok as a strong advocate for women and young people, just like First Lady Obama. Earlier in the day, as their husbands met in the Oval Office, the two First Ladies visited a Virginia high school, where they advised students to follow their dreams and persevere in their passions.

"Mr. President, as we say in America, we both married up," President Obama said. "And so I want to propose a toast --to our friends, President Lee and First Lady Kim, and to their delegation, most of all to the enduring alliance between our nations, a partnership of the heart that will never be broken. Cheers. Gun-bae."

Mr. Obama raised his glass, and all in the room followed suit, and clinked glasses. President Lee then took over the podium.

"My visit to you in Washington, D.C. this time is especially special because before you are the President of the United States of America, you are a great, close friend of mine," President Lee said.

He, too, spoke about jeong.

"One aspect of that is an individual that is humble and very strong inside," Mr. Lee said. " And I think President Obama exemplifies this trait of what we call jeong, and that is why we have a very special tie that we feel whenever I think about President Obama."

"Ladies and gentlemen, I’m a very, very honest guy," President Lee added, to laughter. "So what I say, I really mean it."

He hailed Mr. Obama's popularity in Korea, then spoke at length about the US Korea Trade Agreement, passed on Wednesday by Congress. He praised Mr. Obama for pushing for the measure, and got applause. He said he could see some critics among the guests, but pledged that in a year or less they would say that “they made a mistake,” and the agreement will “create a lot of good, decent jobs for the people of America.”

President Lee closed by toasting the health and well-being of President and Mrs. Obama.

"And, of course, for our everlasting friendship between our two countries," he said, as he raised his glass.

Guests were treated to a reception in the State Dining Room following the dinner. The Ahn Trio and vocalist Janelle Monáe performed with her band. Guests included lawmakers, Cabinet Secretaries, some famous faces from the media, tennis legend Billie Jean King, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg, high-profile business executives, the Korean delegations, and notable Korean Americans. Two guests got a Presidential shout out: UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, and Ambassador Sung Kim, the first Korean-American ambassador to the Republic of Korea, who was confirmed by the Senate today. A report on the arrivals, with video, is here. The brief, soggy arrival ceremony under the North Portico is here. Details on Mrs. Obama's gown are here. Information on place settings and decor is here. The morning Arrival Ceremony is here. The Presidents' joint news conference is here.

*Photo by Pete Souza/White House

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Transcript: Presidents' Korea State Dinner Toasts

At the start of the State Dinner, President Obama and South Korea's President Lee Myung-bak toasted their personal friendship and diplomatic alliance. A post about the toasts is here. The President and First Lady invited 222 guests to enjoy the elegant feast. A video preview of the menu is here. A report on the guest arrivals, with video, is here. The brief, soggy arrival ceremony under the North Portico is here. Details on Mrs. Obama's gown are here. Information on place settings and decor is here. The morning Arrival Ceremony is here. The Presidents' joint news conference is here.



The transcript:

THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
_____________________________________________
For Immediate Release
October 13, 2011

REMARKS BY PRESIDENT OBAMA
AND PRESIDENT LEE OF THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA
IN AN EXCHANGE OF TOASTS AT STATE DINNER

East Room


PRESIDENT OBAMA: (In progress) -- representing one of America’s strongest allies and global partners, the Republic of Korea. (Applause.)

I also want to acknowledge two guests in particular. Another son of Korea dedicated to peace and security, the Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, is here -- (applause) -- and our first Korean-American ambassador to the Republic of Korea, confirmed by the Senate today, Ambassador Sung Kim. (Applause.)

I’m going to be very brief tonight because President Lee has had a very full day and a very wet day -- (laughter) -- as well as extended meetings and press conferences, a State Department banquet, and an address to the Congress, which I understand went extraordinarily well. There is a reason why people call him “The Bulldozer.” He is unstoppable. (Laughter.)

Mr. President, today you have spoken with great eloquence about what America and our alliance has meant to your life and the life of your country. This evening, I want you and your countrymen to know what Korea and its people have meant to America.

The essence of our alliance, I think, is embodied in a concept that is uniquely Korean. It doesn’t translate that easily. But it reflects the deep affection, the bonds of the heart that cannot be broken and that grow stronger with time. Our Korean friends know it well -- jeong.

In our country, we’ve felt this jeong in our vibrant Korean American communities, including in Hawaii where I grew up -- a melting pot of cultures that made me who I am, and that taught me we can all live together in mutual trust and respect.

I felt this jeong during my visit to Korea, on Veterans Day, the 60th anniversary of the Korean War, when our proud veterans of that war, both Korean and American, came together to celebrate a shared legacy -- a free, democratic and prosperous Republic of Korea.

And I felt this jeong in my friendship with President Lee. Mr. President, your life story -- from crushing poverty to the presidency -- is an inspiration. Your success, Korea’s success, speaks to the truth that, with education and hard work, anything is possible. It’s a spirit our countries share. You’ve described it in Korean, and in English, it translates as: "Yes, we can." (Laughter and applause.) It sounds good in Korean, too. (Laughter.)

Finally, I would note that in our lives President Lee and I have both been blessed to find our better halves -- leaders in their own right, advocates for women and young people, who we are proud to call our First Ladies. Mr. President, as we say in America, we both married up. (Laughter.)

And so I want to propose a toast -- I believe this is mine -- to our friends, President Lee and First Lady Kim, and to their delegation, most of all to the enduring alliance between our nations, a partnership of the heart that will never be broken. Cheers. Gun-bae.

(A toast is offered.)

PRESIDENT LEE: (As translated) First of all, Mr. President, Madam First Lady, distinguished guests, please allow me to thank you from the bottom of my heart for this warm reception extended to me, my wife and my delegation. Thank you very much.

And Mr. President and Madam First Lady, my visit to you in Washington, D.C. this time is especially special because before you are the President of the United States of America, you are a great, close friend of mine. And this is how I consider you as well as the Madam First Lady. So this visit is very, very special for all of us.

Ladies and gentlemen, the President just spoke about the Korean emotion that we call jeong in Korea. I think indeed President Obama knows that deep inside his heart he understands the essence of what we call jeong. Jeong can be explained in many different aspects, but one aspect of that is an individual that is humble and very strong inside. And I think President Obama exemplifies this trait of what we call jeong, and that is why we have a very special tie that we feel whenever I think about President Obama. Ladies and gentlemen, I’m a very, very honest guy -- (laughter) -- so what I say, I really mean it.

And also, Mr. President, I must thank you for one thing, because you have spoken so highly of the outstanding educational system of Korea, the dedication of its teachers and the determination of our Korean parents when it comes to educating their children. You have so many new teacher fans in Korea. (Laughter.) And I have to be very honest with you. I think there's quite a number of them who like you more than they like me. (Laughter and applause.)

Mr. President, seriously, you do have a lot of teacher fans in Korea. But the real reason, when we look deep down inside, the reason why you are so popular among many Koreans is because everyone, including myself, are deeply impressed by your endless passion for learning and that this is very much a -- very much reflected in your life story.

Mr. President, Madam First Lady, ladies and gentlemen, whenever I think about the United States and the people of America, I also have a very personal story in mind, which I would like to share with you briefly tonight. As you know, 60 years ago Korea used to be one of the poorest countries in the world, and my family was exceptionally poor, and we really had nothing to eat, nothing to wear. We had to rely on foreign aid for many, many years. And I remember -- I think I was about nine or 10 years old -- in my village there came an American missionary lady with boxes and containers full of used clothes that she would come to my village and hand out.

So, being a boy whose only wish at that time was to own and wear a pair of blue jeans, I decided to stand in line, along with many people. But I was a very small and shy boy -- hard to imagine -- (laughter) -- so a lot of people were pushing and they were jostling about. So I ended up way at the end of the line. When my turn came, I went up to the American missionary lady and I asked for a pair of blue jeans, to which she said -- she just looked at me and said, "Well, I'm sorry, I'm all out of blue jeans." And of course I was devastated. I was heartbroken. And this kind American missionary lady takes one look at me and, out of sympathy, she hands me something out of the box. She handed me a small rubber ball. Now, this did little to console the boy who was crushed, because, after all, what was I going to do with a rubber ball?

And so, to this day -- and I shared this story with President Obama -- and I -- when I finished the story I remember the President laughing a bit nervously, but -- (laughter) -- I told him, I said, "Mr. President, as you can see, I do not owe the United States anything, except" -- (laughter) -- "except maybe for a rubber ball." (Laughter and applause.)

So, ladies and gentlemen, Mr. President, Madam First Lady, although half-jokingly I say that I do not owe the United States anything, but in reality my country and my people owe you tremendously. Which other country -- no country came to aid the Republic of Korea 60 years ago when my country was being attacked by communists. No country sacrificed more than 37,000 lives defending freedom for the people of my country. So for that, for many, many years onwards, we will always, always be grateful to the American people. (Applause.)

Mr. President, ladies and gentlemen, just last night, the United States Congress passed and ratified the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement. I've said this before, but please allow me to say it again: I am deeply appreciative and grateful to the leadership of Congress, to all the members of the United States Congress who supported this measure, and especially to the steadfast leadership of President Obama for pushing this through. (Applause.)

And also, Mr. President, ladies and gentlemen, I know that there are those in the United States Congress who did not vote "yea" for this very important agreement. I think I see a few faces here who -- (laughter) -- but I'm very, very confident, ladies and gentlemen, that in one year or even less that these people who may be a little bit critical of this important agreement will say that they made a mistake, because they will see the visible results of this very important agreement. (Applause.)

And the thing that I want to prove the most, ladies and gentlemen, with the KORUS FTA is that many of those critics who were saying that the KORUS FTA was somehow going to make people lose their jobs -- but really the KORUS FTA is going to create a lot of good, decent jobs for the people of America. And this is a point that I want to prove by implementing this agreement.

And, ladies and gentlemen, you see Mr. King seated at the head table here. As I was receiving guests, and when he came up to me and I was shaking hands, I thought to myself, this is my chance to explain to Mr. King that the KORUS FTA is going to create a lot of good jobs for his people and the members of his union. (Applause.)

Well, the fact that Mr. King accepted the invitation to be here tonight just goes to show that he believes in the essence and the core values of the KORUS FTA, so I have no worries. (Laughter.)

Mr. President, Madam First Lady, ladies and gentlemen, our relationship between our two countries began 130 years ago. Sixty years ago, our mutual defense treaty began what is considered to be one of the strongest military and political alliance that the world has ever known. Of course, we are here today to celebrate our journey of the last 60 years, one that has been -- always been marked by triumphs, sometimes heartache, but always full of hope. And we are gathered here to reaffirm our friendship and to renew our common commitment towards our shared goals. I know that our relationship will go strong; it will become more mature and complete.

Mr. President, as we talked about over the last few days, we have many, many challenges that are facing us as a nation and as a member of the international community. We do not know when, what type of form or how it is going to strike us. There is a lot of uncertainty out there. But I believe in our friendship, because if we are faced with challenges, I know that we will overcome them and even come out stronger.

I just want to emphasize once again our alliance between the Republic of Korea and the United States. It ensures us that we are not alone -- neither is Korea alone or the United States. So we can have confidence that we will be able to overcome any challenges that may face us.

Well, ladies and gentlemen, I see the guests today, and I think a lot of you are people who are very much liked by the President and the Madam First Lady. I also see a few of you who I always wanted to see, and so I'm very happy that I have the chance to see and meet with you tonight.

So once again, Mr. President, Madam First Lady, thank you so much for this honor, and thank you for your invitation. (Applause.)

(In English) Now I'm going to propose a toast -- for us. (Laughter.)

(As translated) Ladies and gentlemen, please join me now in a toast: First of all, for the health and well-being of President Obama and Madam First Lady, and, of course, for our everlasting friendship between our two countries.

(A toast is offered.)

END
##

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A Soggy State Dinner Arrival Ceremony

"Careful, careful"
A violent storm blew through Washington, DC just as President Lee Myung-bak and First Lady Kim Yoon-ok were supposed to arrive at the White House for the State Dinner. I was on the roof-less photographers' platform across from the North Portico where President Obama and Mrs. Obama stand to greet arriving guests. I got drenched, as did everyone else. White House staff kept mopping the marble floor of the North Portico, and a minute before the President and Mrs. Obama emerged, Chief of Protocol Capricia Penavic Marshall came out, clad in a brown silk gown, and walked up and down the steps in her high heels, checking to see if they were slippery. (Above: The Two Presidential Couples; Penavic is at right)

Ambassador Marshall gave the all-clear, and the President and First Lady walked outside.

"Careful, Careful," President Obama cautioned Mrs. Obama after looking at the slick floor.

Ambassador Marshall herself once fell on the treacherous steps, during the State Dinner for Mexico. She was back on her feet in a flash, however, in a moment captured on video that made global headlines.

I was standing beside the pooler on duty for the evening, Geoff Earle of the New York Post, and he was a good egg about holding one of my cameras under his umbrella, and mopping a lens with his miraculously dry shirt. Below is Earle's full pool report. (Above: The couples pose for a formal portrait)

Click here for the dinner menu and click here for the guest list.

Pool report:
After a torrential downpour stopped, POTUS and FLOTUS stepped out onto the North Portico to pose for the cameras and greet President Lee and First Lady Kim for their arrival at the State Dinner around 7 pm.

“Careful, careful,” Obama cautioned after taking a look at the slick marble as the first couple walked outside.

Mrs. Obama was wearing a long purple gown with one shoulder (her right) exposed and a sparkly turquoise belt. She wore a gold colored bracelet on her right arm and dangly gold earrings of unknown value. The president wore a tux.

The first lady’s dress was designed by Korean-American designer Doo-Ri Chung, we hear.

At this point, President Lee and First Lady Kim arrived in their limo. Mrs. Kim was wearing a pink and white hanbok, which is a traditional Korean dress, according to a knowledgeable fotog.

The two then walked up the stairs, which were covered by a thick red carpet.

When they were one step from the top, each got a warm welcome and handshake from their counterpart. Both POTUS and FLOTUS used both hands to guide their guests, and looked like they were trying especially hard to make sure they didn’t topple over.

Once everybody was safely in place, the four dignitaries lined up to face the soggy photographers gathered on the platform that’s been erected.

POTUS, FLOTUS, and President Lee all gave big grins, but Mrs. Kim was fidgeting with her dress a bit during the shot, which could spoil the Christmas card.

Then, they turned to face the White House, the band inside commenced to play, and they walked inside.

*Top photos by Chuck Kennedy; second by Samantha Appleton/White House

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State Dinner: First Lady Obama Wears Gown Designed By Doo-Ri Chung

Korean-American designer can expect a boost in sales...
First Lady Michelle Obama's gown for the State Dinner honoring South Korean President Lee Myung-bak was created by Korean-American fashion designer Doo-Ri Chung, an East Wing aide tells Obama Foodorama. Mrs. Obama dazzled in the one-shoulder purple/magenta gown, which had a blue and green beaded belt. She embellished the look with a large gold cuff bracelet and gold earrings. Black, open-toes heels peeked out from beneath the hem.

The First Lady unveiled the gown as she joined President Obama in welcoming President Lee and First Lady Kim Yoon-ok to the White House at about 7:15 PM. The theme of the dinner was "American Hospitality," and Mrs. Obama's gown choice was a careful one: At a previous State Dinner, she was criticized for wearing a gown that was not designed by an American designer. Click here for the dinner menu and click here for the guest list.

President Kim and Mrs. Lee arrived under the North Portico during the end of a violent storm that included thunder, lightening and a driving rain. The Guest Arrivals report from Booksellers is here.

When Mrs. Obama wore a red gown designed by the house of British fashion master Alexander McQueen to the State Dinner in honor of China's President Hu Jintao, it caused an outcry. (Above: The President and Mrs. Obama at the Dinner Arrival Ceremony with President Hu)

The red color of the gown was a nod to China, of course, and Mrs. Obama looked elegant and glamorous. She's worn McQueen designs to less formal events, too.

For the most recent previous State Dinner, in honor of German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Mrs. Obama wore a sparkling cream gown designed by Indian-American designer Naeem Khan. Mrs. Obama selected a gown designed by Khan for the State Dinner in honor of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh of India, too. (Above: The President and Mrs. Obama with merkel and her husband Joachim Sauer)

*Top photo by AP; other photos by Eddie Gehman Kohan/Obama Foodorama

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The Obamas' State Dinner Menu In Honor Of President Lee Myung-bak, The Republic of Korea

A Fall Harvest celebration featuring bounty from the White House Kitchen Garden, Texas Wagyu Beef, and mystery wines...
President Obama and First Lady Obama will honor the Republic of Korea's President Lee Myung-bak and First Lady Kim Yoon-ok with a Fall Harvest State Dinner this evening. The four-course menu was "conceived by" Mrs. Obama and Executive Chef Cristeta Comerford, according to the White House. It "highlights the best of local produce combined with Korean flavors and traditions." The star of the show is Texas Wagyu Beef rib-eye steak with an Orange-Ginger Fondue as the entree, accompanied by Sauteed Kale and Roasted Kabocha Squash. Dessert is "Chocolate Malt Devils Food Layers," because chocolate is "a universal taste," according to Executive Pastry Chef Bill Yosses. The guest list of more than 2oo is here.

"The inspiration for the Republic of Korea State Dinner is American Hospitality. At State Dinners, we extend our hand in friendship and convey a generosity of spirit designed to welcome guests," noted the White House. The East Room, where the 8:35 PM dinner will take place, is a riot of autumn colors, featuring floral arrangements anchored by hundreds of apples in a nod to the First Lady's Let's Move! campaign. Shadows of fall leaves and apples are projected on the walls and ceilings, too. The graphic logo for Mrs. Obama's signature initiative features an apple. (Above: The Presidential couples during the arrival for dinner under the North Portico)

The dishes spotlight American regional foods and local sourcing, in particular the Fall Harvest bounty from Mrs. Obama's Kitchen Garden, plucked with student helpers on Oct. 5. "Vegetables from that harvest are highlighted in this evening’s dinner and perennial herbs from the garden are used throughout the meal," the White House noted.

"The main dish features Wagyu beef from a Texas ranch, fresh kale from a DC-area source and squash from the White House Kitchen Garden," the White House said in menu guidance issued to reporters. On the White House website, it's noted that "fresh turnip greens from a DC-area source" accompany the entree. Turnip greens aren't listed anywhere on the menu, however.

Texas Wagyu Beef is highly marbled and very tender, and the herds are descended from Asian cattle breeds. Comerford rubbed the rib-eye cuts with garlic and locally sourced scallions, in more homage to Korea. The beef is "lathered with butter," Comerford said in a video (below) released about the State Dinner preparations.

The scallions are "a wondrous Korean ingredient," Comerford said.

The first course, Butternut Squash Bisque, also includes squash grown in the Kitchen Garden, and the second course, Early Fall Harvest Salad, uses red and green lettuces grown there. The soup "represents the best in local, seasonal fare: the dish is light yet robust and features the scents of fall," said the White House.

In homage to the guests of honor, there are flourishes from the Korean culinary tradition--Daikon sheets and "Masago Rice Pearl Crispies" and a Rice Wine Vinaigrette for the salad--and Yosses' delirious chocolate finish uses "a blend of" Korean and American pears.

Dinner will be served on the gold-rimmed, cream-colored Clinton State China created for the 200th anniversary of the White House. It is the only State China that features depictions of historic Washington buildings in the center of the plate, rather than the Presidential seal.

"An American wine will be paired with each course," the White House said, but did not release the names of the wines.

State Dinner Menu

in Honor of
President Lee Myung-bak

First Course
Butternut Squash Bisque,
Honey Poached Cranberries, Virginia Cured Ham
Pumpkin Seed Praline, Crème Fraiche

Second Course
Early Fall Harvest Salad on Daikon Sheets
Masago Rice Pearl Crispies
Rice Wine Vinaigrette

Main Course
Texas Wagyu Beef, Orange-Ginger Fondue
Sauteed Kale, Roasted Kabocha Squash

Dessert
Chocolate Malt Devils Food Layers
With Pear and Almond Brittle

Above: The Head Table, where the two Presidential couples will be seated.

No shout-out for American wine producers...Again
While the White House is spotlighting local/regional foods and Mrs. Obama's Kitchen Garden by announcing sourcing for ingredients, for the third high-profile dinner in a row, the names of the wines that will be poured are being kept top secret. Why?

When queried by Obama Foodorama about why it now seems to be a policy for the White House to not reveal the names of the wines that are poured at important dinners, Mrs. Obama's Press Secretary, Hannah August, had no explanation for why this might be the case. The names of the wines poured for State Dinner #4, in honor of German Chancellor Angela Merkel, and the Return State Dinner in honor of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, were also not revealed to press. The vineyard owners who had their wines selected for that dinner, held in London, later sent copies of the dinner menu to Obama Foodorama, so the wines appear with the menu in this archive.

Tonight's wines for the State Dinner are definitely American, August said. Using only American wines at the White House has been a tradition since the Johnson era.

Decor duties outsourced...
All the details on the decor are here. Round tables for ten surround the rectangular Head Table for twenty where the Presidential Couple will be seated in the center, facing outward towards the East Room. Each table takes a single color for its dominant theme. Tonight's State Dinner is the fifth of the Administration, and the third this year. It is the second managed by Social Secretary Jeremy Bernard. Decor duties were outsourced to Rafanelli Events, as was the case for the first State Dinner Bernard oversaw, in honor of German Chancellor Merkel. The firm does "exclusive, high profile" events around the US, including former First Daughter Chelsea Clinton's "wedding of the decade." (Above: A long view of the East Room, before the dinner)

This afternoon, the White House released a video of Chef Comerford discussing the menu, and giving a tour of the kitchen during the prep for the State Dinner:



The post-dinner reception...
During a 10:00 PM post-dinner reception in the State Dining Room, classical musicians (and sisters) The Ahn Trio, and vocalist Janelle Monáe will perform separately. Monáe, based in Kansas City, Kansas, has been nominated for Grammy awards multiple times. All four performers will dine at the Sate Dinner before entertaining in the State Dining Room.

Updated & related: A post about the Presidential Dinner Toasts is here. A report on the guest arrivals, with video, is here. The brief, soggy arrival ceremony under the North Portico is here. Details on Mrs. Obama's gown are here. The Presidents' joint news conference is here. The morning Arrival Ceremony is here. This afternoon, Mrs. Obama and Mrs. Kim made a special visit to a Virginia high school. On the eve of the State Visit, on Wednesday, President Obama took President Lee out for a traditional Korean dinner at Woo Lae Oak restaurant in suburban Virginia.

Related: The menu for the State Dinner in honor of Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel in June of 2011 IS HERE. The menu for the State Dinner in honor of China's President Hu Jintao in January of 2011 IS HERE. The menu for the State Dinner in honor of Mexico's President Felipe Calderón in May of 2010 IS HERE. The menu for the State Dinner in honor of India's Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, in November of 2009 IS HERE. The menu for the President and First Lady's Return State Dinner in Honor of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at Winfield House in London in May of 2011 IS HERE. (Above: A closeup of one of the centerpieces, featuring apples)

*Photos by Eddie Gehman Kohan/Obama Foodorama; long shot by Alex Berliner for Obama Foodorama

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Table Settings & Decor, State Dinner For Korea

White House outsources design duties to Rafanelli Events, known for creating Chelsea Clinton's wedding..."American Hospitality" is the inspiration for the decor, which mingles traditional Korean flourishes with an autumn palette...
For President Obama and First Lady Obama's State Dinner in honor of South Korean President Lee Myung-bak and First Lady Kim Yoon-ok, the dramatically lit East Room looks like Thanksgiving gone beautifully wild. The State Dinner begins at 8:35 PM, and the inspiration for the decor is "American Hospitality," to symbolize the friendship between the US and Korea, according to the White House. (Above: The Head Table, where the two Presidential Couples will sit, joined by 16 guests)

There are 222 guests on the list of expected attendees, and they will be treated to a feast that spotlights both local sourcing--the Fall Harvest of Mrs. Obama's Kitchen Garden in particular--and Wagyu Beef, sourced from a Texas ranch. The extravagant decor, which features floral arrangements with symbolically meaningful blooms intermixed with literally hundreds of apples, was outsourced to Rafanelli Events Management.

Noted the White House: "Tonight’s design, created by Rafanelli Events, is a celebration of autumn. It embraces a bright fall palette of oranges, reds and greens, with apples featured in centerpieces, wall installations and window medallions. The featured chrysanthemums also symbolize fall in Korean culture." (Above: A long view of the East Room, with gobo shadows of leaves visible on the ceiling)

The tablecloths, chairs, chair cushions, flower vases, and lighting rigs being used in the East Room are all rentals, according to an aide.

The much-in-demand Rafanelli firm creates "the nation’s most exclusive and high-profile events" from its offices in Boston, New York, DC, and Palm Beach, according to its website. These have included former First Daughter Chelsea Clinton's "wedding of the decade," the Obama's last State Dinner, in honor of German Chancellor Angela Merkel, and Obama inaugural celebrations.

Round tables with seating for ten guests surround the long rectangular Head Table, where the two Presidents and First Ladies will dine with sixteen guests. The Head Table is placed in the center of the room, against the back wall, and the First Couple will all sit on the same side, facing outward. The Clinton State China, created to honor the 200th anniversary of the White House, will be used. The cream-colored, gold rimmed plates are the only White House china that features images of historic US architectural masterpieces in the center of the plate rather than the Presidential seal. White napkins with the Presidential seal are at each place. (Above: President Obama's place setting in the center of the head table. President Lee is seated on his right side and Mrs. Kim is on his left)

Each table had a dedicated color scheme, whether green, orange or red, and the flower arrangements on each table reflect the dominant color. The cushions on each chair are a plaid that mingles all the colors, and the chairs themselves are a change for dinner events. They are made of dark wood, rather than the usual gold ladder back chairs that are typically used for dinners. (Above: A red-themed table)

Korean culture and craftsmanship honored...
"The inspiration for the Republic of Korea State Dinner is American Hospitality. At State Dinners, we extend our hand in friendship and convey a generosity of spirit designed to welcome guests. In the spirit of that hospitality, some of the design elements are a reflection of Korea’s culture and craftsmanship," noted the White House.

Each guest will receive a menu card for the evening that depicts the Korean art of knotting because "the union of string and tassel represents perfect harmony," according to the White House. Bamboo containers are featured on some of the dining tables, and chrysanthemums are included in the floral arrangements. There is a trio of long, tall bamboo candle holders on a number of the tables. (Above: A green-themed table. On some tables, large vases held dramatic branches laden with berries in hues of yellow and red)

"In Korea, bamboo represents integrity and chrysanthemums are a sign of a productive and fruitful life," notes the White House. "Hibiscus is the national flower of the Republic of Korea and will be featured in an art installation made of paper flowers in the Upper Cross Hallway."

First Lady's campaign is honored with apples...
The graphic logo for Mrs. Obama's Let's Move! campaign is designed around an apple, and the hundreds of apples anchoring the flower arrangements are also an homage to the First Lady's signature initiative, according to the White House.
Simple china pots of varying sizes adorn the tables to hold floral arrangements. (Above: Granny Smith apples in the centerpiece of a green-themed table)

Lights and shadows in the shape of harvest leaves and apples were cast on the walls and ceiling of the East Room, as well as in the Cross Hall. Columns were wrapped in a textured cream silk.

This evening, Executive Chef Cristeta Comerford and Executive Pastry Chef Bill Yosses are working free of the encumbrance of a guest chef. Tonight marks the fifth State Dinner of the Administration, and the third in 2011. The event is also the second State Dinner under the charge of Social Secretary Jeremy Bernard. His selection of Rafanelli Events is savvy; founder and CEO Bryan Rafanelli has been hailed as "the event planner of the year" by Town & Country magazine, and he makes frequent TV appearances. But Rafanelli, according to his reviews, is also known for his discretion.

Musical performances at the reception...
A reception featuring musical performances after the dinner will be in the State Dining Room, starting at 10:00 PM. Performances will be by the classical music The Ahn Trio, sisters born in Seoul, Korea, and vocalist Janelle Monáe, "singer, songwriter, producer, and performer from Kansas City, Kansas," who has received multiple Grammy nominations. (Above: A long view of the East Room, with the Head Table in the background)

In the Cross Hallway, which is between the East Room and the State Dining Room, there were two huge "art installations" made of paper Hibiscus, the national flower of the Republic of Korea.

Updated & related: A post about the Presidential toasts is here. A video preview of the menu is here. A report on the guest arrivals, with video, is here. The brief, soggy arrival ceremony under the North Portico is here. Details on Mrs. Obama's gown are here. The Presidents' joint news conference is here. The morning Arrival Ceremony is here.

*Photos by Eddie Gehman Kohan/Obama Foodorama

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The Dish On State Dinner Guest Arrivals

Arriving in a driving rain, some guests chatted with the press corps, some ignored them...with Video
President Obama and First Lady Obama invited 222 guests to this evening's State Dinner in honor of President Lee Myung-bak of the Republic of Korea. They arrived at the White House between six and seven in the evening, entering through the Booksellers Entrance in the East Wing, in the midst of a violent storm that included thunder, lightning and a drenching rain. The 8:35 PM dinner in the East Room featured a Fall Harvest menu starring Texas Wagyu Beef, and was low on Hollywood guests, unlike other State Dinners. The full guest list is here. Cabinet Secretaries, lawmakers, media personalities, the COO of Facebook, and a couple of high-profile CEOs rubbed elbows with the Korean delegation. New York chef David Chang, mastermind of Momofuku, and raised in Northern Viginia--was invited not to help cook, but to enjoy the dinner. Tennis great Billie Jean King, a member of the President's Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition, is perhaps the most famous non-political guest at the dinner. (King, above, with her partner Llana Kloss).

Mrs. Obama wore a gown designed by Doo-Ri Chung and the video, below, gives a a look at what everyone else was wearing. The pool report for the arrivals follows.



For all previous State Dinners, Politico's Amie Parnes has been the pool reporter on duty, and has managed to turn what can be dry factual reports into interesting reads. Parnes continued the tradition tonight, joined for the first time by Julie Mason, a Politico reporter who usually covers far more serious topics than "Who are you wearing?"

The Booksellers Arrivals report:

Guests arrived for the state dinner just as a thunderstorm broke over downtown Washington. Women with drenched hemlines and men in saturated tuxedos were the evening standard.

First to arrive was Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, in slacks and a raw silk embroidered jacket.

White House deputy senior advisor Stephanie Cutter wore a midnight blue floor length dress with vertical sequin ribbons.

Moments later, Sam Tubman, deputy White House social secretary, in a black floor-length gown, dashed by the press pen without a glance.

JuJu Chang -- "The wisdom of the crowd won," the ABC News reporter told the press pool. Chang conducted an online poll to select her dress for the event. The winner was a one-should floor-length in deep purple. (Above: Chang with her date)

"So much for the hair salon," Chang said, of the rain.

U.N. Secretary General Ban-ki Moon said of the evening, "It's a great opportunity." For what, he did not say.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, dry and resplendent, said he missed the rain. Also dodging the deluge: Democratic Sen. Max Baucus of Montana: "We were lucky, we missed it," he said.

Sheryl Kara Sandberg, Facebook COO, told the press pool, "Nice to see you," and kept walking. (Above, with her guest)

Dr. Peter Rhee, a surgeon at the University of Arizona University Medical Center, who operated on Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, appeared soaked, saying there is no rain in Arizona.

Asked what he was looking forward to this evening, Rhee said "Relaxing, enjoying the moment. Great to be here tonight."

Republican Sen. Orrin Hatch of Utah said, when asked if everybody was friends tonight at the White House, "Ah, sure. We put those types of differences away."

CNN anchor Candy Crowley, with longtime CNN producer Michael Rosselli, waved to the press on her way into the mansion.

Terribly chic in her tux and heels with a dramatic, pompadour-esque updo was Janelle Monae, who also was a singer performing later in the evening.

James Biden, bearing a strong resemblance to his brother the vice president, smiled and nodded at reporters as he passed.

Tina Tchen, first lady's chief of staff, was all smiles and no conversation as she made her way toward the party.

Arriving stag, Democratic Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts, was on the later end of arrivals and did not stop to discuss. (Above)

Tennis legend Billie Jean King, attired in a black pantsuit with black Nike sneakers -- to which she gave two thumbs up -- said she had been reading up on South Korea ahead of the dinner. King said she supports anything that helps the jobs situation and American optimism.

"I hope to listen a lot, and just learn, and meet some new acquaintances," she said.

Finally, CBS News anchor Scott Pelley was last to arrive. It was Pelley's second state dinner. His first was in 1998, "so it's been awhile, as I recall," he said.
##

*Photos by AP/Reuters; video by Politico

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Guest List: President Obama's State Dinner In Honor Of President Lee Myung-bak

On the A-list: Tennis great Billie Jean King; Candy Crowley; Scott Pelley; actor John Cho...Sec. Vilsack brings American Farm Bureau chief as his date, and chef David Chang is invited to eat rather than cook...
President Obama and First Lady Obama invited 222 guests to the 8:35 PM State Dinner in honor of President Lee Myung-bak of the Republic of Korea. They arrived at the White House between six and seven in the evening, just as a violent storm that included thunder, lightning and a drenching rain was ending. The guest list was low on Hollywood invitees, unlike other State Dinners. One guest of major interest: Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, above, brought brought Bob Stallman, president of the American Farm Bureau, as his "date," rather than his wife, Christie Vilsack. The newly ratified US Korea Free Trade Agreement is being hailed as a billion dollar boon for US agriculture, and Vilsack and Stallman were crucial to getting it passed through Congress. Dinner was a Fall Harvest menu starring Texas Wagyu Beef. The US is the largest beef producer in the world, and the free trade agreement opens up Korea's high-value market, after years of high tariffs and restrictions related to Mad Cow disease. (Above: Vilsack arrives in the Booksellers entrance in the East Wing)

The Guest Arrivals Report from Booksellers is here. It includes video.

Guests included tennis legend Billie Jean King, chef David Chang of New York's Momofuku and other eateries; actor John Cho, best known for his roles in the Harold and Kumar movies, which also starred former White House aid Kal Penn; designer Christina Kim; Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg, who recently hosted a fundraiser for the President; and a handful of notable media faces: ABC’s JuJu Chang, CNN’s Candy Crowley, and CBS’s Scott Pelley.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon was invited, as was Ambassador Sung Kim, the first Korean-American ambassador to the Republic of Korea, confirmed by the Senate today.

Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg attended, as did a handful of Cabinet Secretaries including Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Housing Secretary Shaun Donovan, Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta.

Singer Janelle Monáe, and all three members of The Ahn Trio, a classical music group, were invited to dine before they were the featured musical performers at the 10:00 PM post-dinner reception, held in the State Dining Room.

State Dinner Guest List

THE PRESIDENT and MRS. OBAMA

His Excellency Lee Myung-bak, President of the Republic of Korea
Mrs. Kim Yoon-ok

Mr. Charles C. Adams, Jr., Geneva, Switzerland
Mrs. Vera Risteski-Adams

Ms. Angella Ahn, Performer, Bozeman, MT
Mr. Michael P. Moore

Ms. Lucia Ahn, Performer, New York, NY
Mr. Christiaan P. Ahn

Ms. Maria Ahn, Performer, New York, NY
Ms. Young Joo Rhee, Cliffside Park, NJ

The Honorable Brooke Anderson, Washington, DC

His Excellency Jae Hyun Bae

His Excellency Jaewan Bahk

Secretary-General Ki-moon Ban, Secretary General, United Nations, New York, NY
Mrs. Soon-taek Ban

The Honorable Max Baucus, United States Senator
Ms. Melodee Hanes

The Honorable Howard Berman, United States Representative
Mrs. Janis Berman

Mr. James B. Biden, Merion Station, PA
Mrs. Sara Biden

The Honorable Joseph R. Biden, Jr., Vice President of the United States
Dr. Jill Biden

The Honorable Stephen Warren Bosworth, Medford, MA
Mrs. Christine H Bosworth

The Honorable Ann W. Brown, Washington, DC
Mr. Don Brown

The Honorable William J Burns, Deputy Secretary of State, U.S. Department of State
Ms. Lisa Carty

The Honorable Dave Camp, United States Representative
Mrs. Nancy Camp

The Honorable Kurt M Campbell, Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian & Pacific Affairs
The Honorable Lael Brainard, Under Secretary of the Treasury for International Affairs

The Honorable Jay Carney, Press Secretary
Ms. Claire Shipman

The Honorable Julián Castro, Mayor, San Antonio, TX
Mrs. Erica Lira Castro

Mr. David Chang, New York, NY
Ms. Chung Hi Chang, Howey-in-the-Hills, FL

Ms. JuJu Chang, New York, NY
Mr. Neal Shapiro

Mr. John Cho, Los Angeles, CA
Mr. June Jay Cho, San Antonio, TX

His Excellency Guem Nak Choe

His Excellency Joong-Kyung Choi

Mr. Steve Choi, President, Founder and CEO, Korean-American Association, Annandale, VA
Mrs. Leena Prisca Choi

The Honorable Judy Chu, United States Representative
The Honorable Mike Eng, California State Assembly, Sacramento, CA

His Excellency Yungwoo Chun

The Honorable Hillary R. Clinton, Secretary of State

Mr. Bruce Cohen, New York, NY
Mr. Gabriel Catone

Mr. Jeff Cooper, Edwardsville, IL
Mrs. Francesca Moroney Cooper

Rev Luis Cortes, Jr., Cheltenham, PA
Mrs. Damaris Cortes

Ms. Candy Crowley, Bethesda, MD
Mr. Harry Michael Rosselli, Washington, DC

The Honorable Stephanie Cutter, Assistant to the President and Deputy Senior Advisor
Mr. James Matthew Hock

The Honorable William Daley, Chief of Staff
Ms. Bernadette Keller

Mr. D. Scott Davis, Chairman and CEO, UPS, Atlanta, GA

General Martin Dempsey, Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff
Mrs. Deanie Dempsey

The Honorable Thomas Donilon, Assistant to the President, National Security Advisor
Ms. Cathy Russell, Chief of Staff to Dr. Jill Biden

The Honorable Shaun L.S. Donovan, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
Ms. Liza Gilbert

Mr. Blair Effron, New York, NY
Mrs. Cheryl Effron

The Honorable Michael B.G. Froman, Deputy Assistant to the President and Deputy National Security Advisor for International Economic Affairs
Ms. Nancy Goodman

Mr. Robert L. Gallucci, PhD, Chicago, IL
Ms. Jennifer Emily Sims, Upperville, VA

The Honorable Timothy F. Geithner, Secretary of the Treasury
Mrs. Carole Geithner

Mr. Sloan Gibson, Charleston, SC
Mrs. Margaret Duncan Gibson

The Honorable Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Washington, DC

Dr. Douglas Edward Goldman, San Francisco, CA
Mrs. Lisa Goldman

The Honorable Steve Jay Green, Miami Beach, FL
Mrs. Dorothea Green

The Honorable Duck-soo Han, Ambassador to the U.S., Government of the Republic of Korea
Mrs. Ah-Young Choi

The Honorable Orrin G. Hatch, United States Senator
Mrs. Elaine Hatch

Mr. William Hite, President's Export Council, Annapolis, MD
Mrs. Patricia Hite

The Honorable Thomas C. Hubbard, Washington, DC
Mrs. Joan Magnusson Hubbard

Mr. Changsoo Huh, Special Delegation, Republic of Korea

The Honorable Valerie Jarrett, Assistant to the President and Senior Advisor
Mr. Elvin Charity, Chicago, IL

Mr. Henry H Kang, Douglas, MA
Ms. Cassi Bryn Michaelik

The Honorable Sukhee Kang, Mayor, Irvine, CA
Mrs. Joanne Wonhee Kang

The Honorable Mark Keam, VA House of Delegates, Vienna, VA
Mrs. Alex Seong Keam

The Honorable John Kerry, United States Senator

Mr. Fred Khosravi, Mountain View, CA
Mrs. Flora Khosravi

Ms. Christina Kim, Los Angeles, CA
Mr. Raymond Meier, New York, NY

His Excellency Dae Ki Kim

Mr. Chang-beom Kim

Mr. David Kim, Entrepreneur, C2 Education, Duluth, GA
Ms. Minjae Yuh

Dr. James Yong Kim, President, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH
Dr. Youn Sook Lim

His Excellency Kwan Jin Kim

His Excellency Sung-hwan Kim

Dr. Tae Hyo Kim

Ms. Billie Jean King, New York, NY
Ms. Llana Kloss

Mr. Robert Thompson King, Ann Arbor, MI
Ms. Kathlene Eugenie King

The Honorable Ron Kirk, USTR
Mrs. Matrice Ellis-Kirk

Mr. Harold Koh, Washington, DC
Ms. Mary-Christy Fisher

The Honorable Howard Kyongju Koh, Washington, DC
Ms. Claudia Anne Arrigg

Mr. Bon Moo Koo, Chairman of LG

Mr. Chris Korge, Coral Gables, FL
Mr. Andrew Korge

Mr. Peter Kraus, Dallas, TX
Mrs. Lisa Kraus

Mr. Peter Kwon, Washington, DC
Mrs. Jeanie Kwon

The Honorable Jim Leach, Chairman, National Endowment for the Humanities, Bethesda, MD
Mrs. Elisabeth Leach

Mr. John Lechleiter, Indianapolis, IN
Mrs. Sarah Lechleiter

Dr. Chang-rae Lee, Princeton, NJ
Mrs. Michelle Branca Lee

Ms. Seung Yun Lee, Daughter of Korean President Lee

Mr. Won Lee, Washington, DC
Mrs. Young Ja Lee

The Honorable Sander Levin, United States Representative
Ms. Pamela Marie Cole

Mr. James E. Liguori, Wyoming, DE
Mrs. Stephanie I. Liguori

Mr. Andres W. Lopez, San Juan, PR
Ms. Camelia Garrido

The Honorable Richard Lugar, United States Senator
Ms. Deb Lugar

The Honorable Capricia Penavic Marshall, Chief of Protocol, U.S. Department of State
Dr. Robert Marshall

Mr. John P. Marttila, Boston, MA
Mrs. Nancy Ellen Marttila

Ms. Linda Mason, Manager, Bright Horizons Family Solutions, Belmont, MA
Mr. Roger H Brown, President of Berklee College of Music

The Honorable Denis McDonough, Assistant to the President and Deputy National Security Advisor
Mrs. Karin McDonough

Ms. Janelle Monáe, Performer
Mr. Nathaniel Irvin

Mr. Alan Mulally, President and CEO, Ford Motor Company, Dearborn, MI
Mrs. Nicki Mulally

Mr. Scott A. Nathan, Boston, MA
Ms. Laura A. Debonis

Mr. Mark Nichols, Washington, DC
Ms. Jane Siena

The Honorable Thomas Nides, Dep. Secretary of State for Management and Resources
Ms. Virginia Moseley

Mr. Spencer Arthur Overton, Professor of Law, GW Law School, Chevy Chase, MD
Mrs. Leslie Collins Overton

The Honorable Leon E Panetta, Secretary of Defense

Mr. Deven J. Parekh, New York, NY
Mrs. Monika Parekh

Mr. Scott Pelley, Darien, CT
Mrs. Jane Boone Pelley

The Honorable Nancy Pelosi, Democratic Leader, United States Representative
Mr. Paul Pelosi, Jr.

The Honorable David Plouffe, Assistant to the President and Senior Advisor
Ms. Olivia Morgan

Dr. Peter M. Rhee, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
Mrs. Emily Rhee

The Honorable Susan Rice, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, New York, NY
Mr. Ian Cameron

Ms. Carla A. Robbins, New York, NY
Mr. Guy B. Gugliotta

Mr. Lee Rosenberg, President, American Israel Public Affairs Committee, Chicago, IL
Mrs. Nancy Rosenberg

The Honorable Pete Rouse, Counselor to the President, Washington, DC
Ms. Courtney M. Chapin

The Honorable Kathryn Ruemmler, Assistant to the President and Counsel to the President

Mr. Danny Russel, Chevy Chase, MD
Mrs. Keiko Abo Russel

Mr. Jin Roy Ryu, Los Angeles, CA
Ms. Helen Lho

Ms. Sheryl Kara Sandberg, Chief Operating Officer, Facebook, Palo Alto, CA
Ms. Adele Frances Einhorn Sandberg, North Miami Beach, FL

Mrs. Elaine Schuster, Osterville, MA
Gerald Schuster

Mr. Sydney A. Seiler, Director for Korea, NSS, Washington, DC

Mr. Eugene Sepulveda, Austin, TX
Ms. Suzanne Deal Booth

Mr. Paull Shin, Washington State Senator, Lynwood, WA
Mrs. Donna Shin

Mr. Kyung-shik Sohn

Ms. Unmi Song, Skokie, IL
Ms. Unhae U. Song, Washington, DC

Mr. Bobby Stein, Jacksonville, FL
Mrs. Mary C. Stein

The Honorable Kathleen Stephens, Ambassador to the Republic of Korea
William C. Harwood, Emeryville, CA

The Honorable Ann S Stock, Acting Undersecretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs
Mr. Stuart C Stock

Ms. Kathy Surace-Smith, Bellevue, WA
Mr. Brad Smith

Ms. Nancy Helen Sutley, Washington, DC
Mrs. Suzanne Beatrice Sutley, Jackson Heights, NY

The Honorable Tina Tchen, Chief of Staff, Office of the First Lady

General James D. Thurman, Commander UNC/CFC/USFK, Department of Defense
Mrs. Delia Lee Thurman

The Honorable Melanne Verveer, Ambassador at Large for Women's Global Issues, Department of State
The Honorable Philip Louis Verveer

The Honorable Tom Vilsack, Secretary, Department of Agriculture
Mr. Bob Stallman

Ms. Jai Lee Wong, Executive Director, Women's Leadership Circles, Los Angeles, CA
Mr. Kent Douglas Wong

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