South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol received a standing ovation at the White House state dinner on Wednesday for his rendition of Don McClean’s classic song, “American Pie.”
Yoon capped off the second state dinner of President Biden’s presidency with an unexpected performance of the first verse of the 1971 hit, noting that it was one of his favorite songs while in school.
The recital left guests stunned and came at the encouragement of Biden, 80, who told the 62-year-old South Korean leader that he knew “American Pie” was a favorite of his and that attendees wanted to hear him sing it.
With only a piano accompanying his voice, Yoon crooned for about a minute and got a standing ovation by the end of it.
“I had no damn idea you could sing,” a surprised Biden told Yoon after the performance.
“Don’t expect me to sing it!” the president said.
Biden then presented Yoon with an acoustic guitar signed by McLean that was sent by the artist, who was unable to make it to the state dinner.
“The next state dinner we’re going to have, you’re looking at the entertainment,” Biden joked to the crowd, meaning Yoon.
Wednesday’s black-tie affair honoring South Korea was the first state dinner at the White House since December 2022, when Biden paid homage to France.
Actress Angelina Jolie and her son Maddox, home improvement stars Chip and Joanna Gaines, Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah), billionaire hedge fund founder David Shaw, Carl Page – the entrepreneur brother of Google co-founder Larry Page – and the president’s brother, Frank Biden, were among the guests.
