Olivia I H, a key figure of the Korea Expo: when a mistress of ceremonies becomes the living bridge between two cultures. There are people who do not just appear on stage: they carry the event, give it a soul, a direction, an identity. Olivia I H is one of them.
Franco-Korean, mistress of ceremonies of the Korea Expo since the very first edition, international speaker, and member of the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs, she has become much more than a simple speaker: she is one of the emblematic faces of cultural dialogue between France and Korea.
During our phone interview on July 16, 2026, Olivia opened up with rare sincerity about her journey, her diplomatic mission, her artistic commitment, and her role as a bridge between two nations. For four years, her natural presence, fluid bilingualism, and ability to embody both cultures have transformed the Korea Expo into a space where audiences feel welcomed, understood, and inspired.
For many, Olivia is not just the voice of the event: she is its guiding thread, its landmark, the familiar figure people come back to see every year.
1. Could you introduce yourself and tell us about your role during cultural events?
Olivia I H: My name is Olivia IH. My name is a French adaptation of the Korean name Lee. I am half French, half Korean: born in France, I did my schooling there until I was 20 before leaving for Asia. After spending time in China, I have now been living in Korea for 16 years.
I work at the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and in parallel, I host international conferences and cultural events. I have been the mistress of ceremonies of the Korea Expo since the very first edition, four years ago. I was offered to be the MC for three days, and I accepted with great pleasure. Presenting Korean culture, history, and traditions to a foreign audience is a mission close to my heart.
What touches me the most is seeing visitors come back year after year saying, "We are so glad to see you again, you are so natural on stage, you carry the event." These human feedbacks are precious.
I work at the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and in parallel, I host international conferences and cultural events. I have been the mistress of ceremonies of the Korea Expo since the very first edition, four years ago. I was offered to be the MC for three days, and I accepted with great pleasure. Presenting Korean culture, history, and traditions to a foreign audience is a mission close to my heart.
What touches me the most is seeing visitors come back year after year saying, "We are so glad to see you again, you are so natural on stage, you carry the event." These human feedbacks are precious.
2. How do you prepare a ceremony of such magnitude? What qualities are essential to lead an event with fluidity?
Olivia I H: Preparation is important. The Korea Expo involves three days, 16 different stages, and very diverse themes: gastronomy, hanbok history, K-Beauty since the Joseon Dynasty, dance, K-pop, museums, traditions…
I must not only introduce the speakers, but also master each topic to properly introduce their conferences. This is what makes the event so rich: nothing is repetitive, each stage is unique.
My strength comes from my dual culture. Knowing both France and Korea very well, I can switch naturally from one language to the other, like during the interview with actor Jinyoung. Fluidity also comes from being natural: speaking frankly, sharing anecdotes, even personal ones, creates a closeness with the public.
I must not only introduce the speakers, but also master each topic to properly introduce their conferences. This is what makes the event so rich: nothing is repetitive, each stage is unique.
My strength comes from my dual culture. Knowing both France and Korea very well, I can switch naturally from one language to the other, like during the interview with actor Jinyoung. Fluidity also comes from being natural: speaking frankly, sharing anecdotes, even personal ones, creates a closeness with the public.
3. You mentioned your husband on stage. Can you specify his professional field?
Olivia I H: My husband (Taekyu Lee) also works in cinema, in the 7th art. He is an actor, even though he is not known at Jinyoung's level. He has played in major productions, but never in a leading role.
He often plays villains, whereas he would love to play in a romantic comedy, a role closer to his true personality. Jinyoung said he often plays nice guys and would like to be a villain — I found it amusing to show that for my husband, it's the opposite.
He often plays villains, whereas he would love to play in a romantic comedy, a role closer to his true personality. Jinyoung said he often plays nice guys and would like to be a villain — I found it amusing to show that for my husband, it's the opposite.
4. What touched you the most during this year's ceremony?
Olivia I H: A young girl wrote me an adorable letter. She was attending the Korea Expo for the second or third time and told me that I was a role model for her: my presence on stage, my confidence, and my way of conveying emotions helped her a lot.
I also receive many messages on Instagram: "Your performance was pleasant, you have a true presence on stage - you are our super MC, I am coming back for you!" These words touch me deeply. We are human, and these encouragements carry us.
Some young girls even offered me handmade keychains with "Korea Expo" written on them. These are attentions that stay.
I also receive many messages on Instagram: "Your performance was pleasant, you have a true presence on stage - you are our super MC, I am coming back for you!" These words touch me deeply. We are human, and these encouragements carry us.
Some young girls even offered me handmade keychains with "Korea Expo" written on them. These are attentions that stay.
5. You are very active in the cultural milieu. What projects do you want to develop in the coming months?
Olivia I H: Just before the Korea Expo, we celebrated with the French Embassy and the First Lady the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between France and Korea. It was a major event.
As a Franco-Korean métisse, I want to continue playing this role of bridge between our two cultures, in diplomatic, cultural, artistic, and event fields.
Koreans deeply love French culture, and vice versa. Creating links, collaborations, exchanges: that is my mission.
As a Franco-Korean métisse, I want to continue playing this role of bridge between our two cultures, in diplomatic, cultural, artistic, and event fields.
Koreans deeply love French culture, and vice versa. Creating links, collaborations, exchanges: that is my mission.
6. You are also very athletic, particularly passionate about golf.
Olivia I H: I come from a sports family: my father was a professional tennis player. I started golf with my brother, and I have since been invited to several pro-am tournaments.
I was also offered to host sporting events, like Liv Golf, an international competition with great players. I had the honor of presenting this event two consecutive years.
I was also offered to host sporting events, like Liv Golf, an international competition with great players. I had the honor of presenting this event two consecutive years.
7. What message do you want to convey to the public who follows you?
Olivia I H: I receive many messages from young people who want to move to Korea. Korea attracts: K-dramas, K-pop, cinema, concerts… But I want to transmit a realistic message.
There is the 'honeymoon' phase, then reality: Korea is a demanding country, especially if you don't speak the language. My advice:
👉 Learn Korean.
👉 Get interested in the culture.
👉 Build a solid background before leaving.
Regarding my life as a working mom, I want to say that it is possible. I have three children, a freelance husband who helps me a lot, and a full-time job at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in the Korea National Diplomatic Academy, where I teach French language and culture to future diplomats.
When you have a vocation, a mission, you can do everything. In Korea, we say: 👉 Fighting. Courage to all.
There is the 'honeymoon' phase, then reality: Korea is a demanding country, especially if you don't speak the language. My advice:
👉 Learn Korean.
👉 Get interested in the culture.
👉 Build a solid background before leaving.
Regarding my life as a working mom, I want to say that it is possible. I have three children, a freelance husband who helps me a lot, and a full-time job at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in the Korea National Diplomatic Academy, where I teach French language and culture to future diplomats.
When you have a vocation, a mission, you can do everything. In Korea, we say: 👉 Fighting. Courage to all.
Credits: © Jason Edwards