Politics & Government

Hey, President Lee: Who's Your Tiger?

South Korean president wears a Tigers hat while speaking alongside President Barack Obama in Orion Township on Friday.

South Korean President Lee Myung-bak told a crowd of autoworkers in Orion Township on Friday that he "knows a thing or two about cars."

But now, after his visit to the General Motors Orion Assembly Plant with President Barack Obama, he knows a thing or two about Detroit sports.

The 69-year-old former mayor of Seoul, South Korea, is the former CEO of Hyundai – thus the auto knowledge.

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On Friday, he was a Detroit fan though, wearing a Detroit Tigers hat while he toured the plant. And he left it on during his address.

"As you can see, President Lee knows how to get on your good side," Obama joked in his introduction.

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The Tigers hat wasn't the only sports connection between the crowd and the two presidents.

Obama mentioned Detroit's fever for all things sports in his remarks.

"I notice the mood's a little brighter on this particular visit," Obama said. "I like to think it's because of the free-trade agreement, but I suspect it might have to do with your Lions beating up on my Bears!"

The Detroit Lions beat the Chicago Bears 24-13 in Monday Night Football play this week.

"Not to mention your Tigers hanging in there last night," Obama said.

The crowd agreed — with applause and roaring cheers.


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