On February 23, President Lee Jae Myung hosted an official Korea–Brazil state banquet at the Blue House’s Yeongbin Hall. Among distinguished government officials and business leaders from both nations, Gabi was invited as a representative figure symbolizing cultural exchange between Korea and Brazil.

During the event, President Lula warmly greeted attendees and notably kissed the back of Gabi’s hand, a gesture widely interpreted as a sign of special courtesy and affection. The moment quickly became a hot topic online.

President Lula personally shared a video of the encounter on his Instagram account. As of the morning of February 26, the post had surpassed 1.2 million views. Additionally, a video uploaded by President Lula featuring BLACKSWAN’s song “Cat & Mouse” as background music garnered over 5.6 million views, raising expectations that the track could experience a resurgence in popularity.

BLACKSWAN’s agency, DR Music, commented, “The invitation was completely unexpected, so both Gabi and the company were surprised. However, it would be a great honor if this opportunity contributes to cultural exchange between Korea and Brazil. We are always ready to attend whenever called upon.”

Gabi’s presence reportedly drew particular interest because Brazil’s First Lady, Rosângela da Silva, is known to be an enthusiastic K-pop fan. Even before her visit to Korea, she had shown strong interest in Korean pop artists. Upon learning that Gabi is Brazilian, the First Lady was said to have expressed special delight. Ahead of the official schedule, she even shared a private meal with Gabi in Seoul’s Gangnam district on February 22 to build rapport.

The Brazilian First Lady also posted a video on her official Instagram showing herself and Gabi eating Dubai Chewy Cookie together.

BLACKSWAN is a global four-member K-pop girl group composed entirely of foreign members. In 2024, the group was appointed promotional ambassadors for the War Memorial of Korea in Yongsan.

Gabi was selected in 2022 through DR Music’s global audition, beating odds of 4,000 to 1. Born in 2002 in Santa Catarina, Brazil, she is currently the only Brazilian member actively promoting in a K-pop girl group.

Sources: Nate