South Korea's first lady a Peking Opera fan

Singing melodically, moving gracefully and resplendent in colorful costumes, students of the National Academy of Chinese Theater Arts impressed South Korea's First Lady, Kim Yoon-ok, with Peking Opera performance yesterday afternoon.

The president's wife's special interest in Chinese folk operas prompted her visit to the academy despite a brief visit to Beijing, said Park Young-dae, the cultural counselor of the South Korean Embassy in China.

When Kim arrived around 5 pm, six sophomore girls were learning to play with round silk fans from their teacher Wang Xiaoyan. The president's wife enjoyed their performance, following every step, especially their delicate hand gestures and soft footwork.