State dinner surprise: South Korean president sings 'American Pie'

Yoon's visit marks the 70th anniversary of the U.S. and South Korea’s alliance.

Washington was still buzzing Thursday about how, during Wednesday's White House State Dinner featuring performances by a trio Broadway stars, the guest of honor -- South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol -- instead stole the show with his rendition of Don McClean's "American Pie."

After Yoon revealed that the American karaoke bar classic was his favorite song in school, President Joe Biden coaxed him into delivering a performance.

"Well, we want to hear you sing it," Biden said to Yoon, who obliged.

Despite speaking through an interpreter during the entire day of public events, Yoon had no trouble with the English lyrics as he burst into song, belting out several lines from the iconic tune then receiving boisterous cheers and a standing ovation from guests including Angelina Jolie.

PHOTO: President Joe Biden cheers as South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol sings "American Pie" by Don McLean during a state dinner at the White House, April 26, 2023.
President Joe Biden cheers as South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol sings "American Pie" by Don McLean during a state dinner at the White House, April 26, 2023.
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

"The next state dinner we're going to have," Biden, who energetically pumped his fists during the performance, said, putting his arm around Yoon, "you're looking at the Entertainment."

Biden added, "I had no damn idea you could sing." But he, evidently, did have an idea -- at least of Yoon's love for the song.

Following the performance, he told Yoon: "I understand that you like the guitar as well," then gifted him an autographed acoustic guitar from Don McLean himself.

PHOTO: President Joe Biden gives a gift of a guitar signed by artist Don McLean to South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol at an official state dinner at the White House in April 26, 2023.
President Joe Biden gives a gift of a guitar signed by artist Don McLean to South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol at an official state dinner at the White House in April 26, 2023.
Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters
PHOTO: President Yoon Suk Yeol of the Republic of Korea and President Joe Biden make a toast during the State Dinner held in the East Room of The White House, April 26, 2023.
President Yoon Suk Yeol of the Republic of Korea and President Joe Biden make a toast during the State Dinner held in the East Room of The White House, April 26, 2023.
Oliver Contreras/CNP via Polaris

The Entertainment portion of the event also showcased performances by singers Lea Salonga, Norm Lewis, and Jessica Voski performed a medley of five classic Broadway hits — "This Is The Moment," "Happy Days Are Here Again," "On My Own," "Don't Rain On My Parade," and "Somewhere."

The dinner followed Biden and Yoon's bilateral meeting in the Oval Office on Wednesday, during which the pair discussed working together to deter North Korea's nuclear threats, promote peace in the Taiwan straits, stand with Ukraine amid Russia's invasion and more.

MORE: South Korea's Yoon to address joint meeting of Congress amid state visit

Yoon's state visit this week also marks the 70th anniversary of the U.S. and South Korea's alliance, forged in the aftermath of the Korean War.

PHOTO: South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol speaks during a joint news conference with U.S. President Joe Biden in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, U.S. April 26, 2023.
South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol speaks during a joint news conference with U.S. President Joe Biden in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, U.S. April 26, 2023.
Leah Millis/Reuters
PHOTO: South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and his wife Kim Keon Hee stand with President Joe Biden first lady Jill Biden before a state dinner at the White House, April 26, 2023.
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and his wife Kim Keon Hee stand with President Joe Biden first lady Jill Biden before a state dinner at the White House, April 26, 2023.
Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images

The light-hearted moment and other festivities at the State Dinner took place against the backdrop of diplomatic and economic tensions between the countries.

A recent leak of classified U.S. intelligence documents seemingly showed Washington was spying on South Korea's leadership. Yoon downplayed the spying suggestion during Wednesday's press conference, stating the two nations are in communication and are "sharing necessary information" as the U.S. investigation into documents' disclosure plays out.

ABC News' Alexandra Hutzler contributed to this report.

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