Samsung Electronics Executive Chairman Lee Jae-yong, left, holds a Galaxy Z Flip7 foldable smartphone produced at his company's factory in Noida, India, to take a selfie with President Lee Jae Myung and India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a state luncheon in New Delhi, Monday. Courtesy of Cheong Wa Dae
Korean President Lee Jae Myung, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong posed for a widely shared selfie in New Delhi on Monday, drawing attention to the optics of “selfie diplomacy” at a Korea-India summit.
The photo was taken during a state luncheon using Samsung’s latest foldable smartphone, the Galaxy Z Flip7. The image quickly went viral online on social media and was picked up by multiple media outlets.
The moment comes months after Lee drew notice at home for using a Chinese smartphone during a high-profile diplomatic event.
In January, Lee took a selfie with Chinese President Xi Jinping using a Xiaomi phone he had received as a gift. He later shared the image publicly, describing it as a memorable moment.
The episode prompted mixed reactions, with some commentary focused on symbolism, while others described the approach as reflecting Lee’s flexible style of diplomacy.
“President Lee Jae Myung has had a complicated relationship with smartphones in public optics. Not long ago, he drew heat back at home after using a Xiaomi phone, reportedly a gift from Xi Jinping, for a selfie,” said Yash, a contributor to Samsung-focused tech media outlet Sammy Fans.
“It sparked criticism, questions and a broader debate about national tech pride. He course-corrected fast: His recent selfie diplomacy with Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni signaled a shift to prioritizing Samsung."
Against that backdrop, the New Delhi selfie — this time using a Samsung device — has drawn added notice as a contrast in optics.
Samsung said the phone used in the photo was produced in India, where the company operates a major manufacturing facility.
Source: Korea Times News
