President Lee Myung-bak wouldn't have divulged a "state secret" unless it was a special gathering of leading minds on global economy where he was invited to deliver a speech.

It was on Thursday evening at the Davos World Economic Forum. South Korea hosted a gala to showcase the Korean food by inviting a number of guests that included Angel Gurroa, the Secretary-General of the OECD, Prince Philip of Belgium, Mongolian President Tsakhia Elbegdorj, and some 800 other dignitaries.

Korea tries to promote its food globally these days as part of its "soft power" strategy to boost its international image. And Lee didn't want to miss the special occasion.

"Tonight, we have a number of delicious Korean food," Lee said, according to the Chosun Ilbo on Saturday. "Korean food is increasingly regarded around the world as a healthy food."

Lee then looked to his wife, First Lady Kim Yoon-ok, standing next to him. "I can know this by looking at my wife. She loves to eat Korean food and she is in great shape!"

Lee's revelation brought the house down.

On that evening, Korean food such as emperor kimchi, bossam (roasted pork slices braised with red pepper paste), and japchae (pan-fried noodle) were served.

sunny.lee@koreatimes.co.kr