South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol shocked Biden and a White House state dinner audience by performing 'American Pie'

• South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol performed "American Pie" at the White House on Wednesday. 
• He said that it was his favorite song and sang the first verse for the crowd. 
• President Joe Biden then presented Yoon with a guitar signed by Don McLean.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol shocked President Joe Biden and the audience of Wednesday's White House state dinner when he spontaneously sang a beloved American rock song for the room. 

Moments after three Broadway stars — Lea Salonga, Jessica Vosk, and Norm Lewis — performed a rendition of Don McLean's "American Pie" at Wednesday's event, Biden turned the attention to Yoon, according to a video posted by the Washington Post. 

"We know this is one of your favorite songs," Biden told his counterpart with a smile. 

Yoon smiled and nodded, agreeing.

"When I was going to school, it was one of my favorite songs," he said.  

Biden then put Yoon on the spot: "We want to hear you sing it," he said to a laughing audience.  

"It's been a while, but..." Yoon trailed off before grabbing the mic from Biden's hand. 

Sure enough, the South Korean president launched into an a capella version of "American Pie." His performance was met with cheers and applause from the crowd. 

—The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) April 27, 2023

 

"I had no damn idea you could sing," Biden told Yoon after he finished his performance, according to the Post. 

Biden then presented Yoon with one of McLean's signed acoustic guitars, which Yoon showed off to a cheering crowd. 

"The next state dinner we have, you're looking at the entertainment," Biden joked, pointing to Yoon.