Bill Gates’ ‘rude’ handshake sends shock waves across South Korea
Apr 23, 2013, 1:25 PM | Updated: Apr 24, 2013, 11:51 pm
The founder of Microsoft was photographed shaking hands with South Korea President Park Geun-hye on Monday. The problem is one hand was tucked into his pants pocket.(AP Photo)
(AP Photo)
Bill Gates is getting slammed by media in South Korea for a handshake perceived to be a little too casual.
The founder of Microsoft was photographed shaking hands with South Korea’s President Park Geun-hye on Monday. The problem is one hand was tucked into his pants pocket.
Proper etiquette in Korea is to use both hands unless the receiving party is a good friend or with someone much younger. One hand in the pocket is considered very rude.
“Perhaps it was his all-American style but an open jacket with hand in pocket? That was way too casual. It was very regretful,” said Chung Jin-suk, secretary general at the Korean National Assembly, according to ABC News.
A spokesperson for Gates has reportedly declined to comment.
It’s not entirely clear if Gates knew what he was doing, but he is sort of known for his casual demeanor and appearance. He often appears in public in a sweater, sans neck tie. According to ABC’s report, he’s ‘guilty’ of an improper handshake with South Korea President Lee in 2008.
