It was a moment that combined diplomacy, symbolism, and a touch of showmanship.
During his trip to South Korea for the APEC summit, President Donald Trump was awarded the nation’s highest honor — and, in true Trump fashion, the ceremony featured plenty of gold.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung presented Trump with the Grand Order of Mugunghwa, a prestigious award reserved for leaders who contribute to peace and prosperity on the Korean peninsula.
Along with the medal came an eye-catching gift — a replica of an ancient golden crown, originally from Korea’s Silla dynasty.
A Golden Gesture of Friendship
The ceremony took place in Gyeongju, a city known for its rich history and royal relics.
The event’s announcer declared that the award recognized Trump’s past efforts to promote peace with North Korea and also expressed hope for the “peace and prosperity” he might bring to the peninsula in the future.
President Lee explained that the crown represented the unity of Korea under the ancient Silla kingdom, symbolizing harmony and strength.
The ornate gold headpiece, displayed in a glass case, was described as a replica of the “largest and most extravagant” crown from the era.
Trump, visibly pleased, examined the framed medal and said, “I’d like to wear it right now.
I will cherish it.” Though he stopped short of placing the golden crown on his head, the gesture clearly delighted him.
According to President Lee, the gift was meant to usher in a “golden age” of U.S.–South Korean relations, a phrase that felt fitting given Trump’s well-known affinity for all things gold.
The Ceremonial Welcome Fit for Royalty
From the moment Trump arrived, South Korea made sure his visit was memorable.
As Air Force One landed at Gimhae International Airport, the South Korean Air Force Band performed a lively rendition of “YMCA”, the song that became a rallying anthem during Trump’s campaign events.
Later, at an official welcome event, Trump was treated to a dramatic drum ceremony and a military procession featuring saber-wielding guards.
The dinner menu even catered to his personal tastes — starting with a salad topped with Thousand Island dressing (a nod to his New York roots), followed by a traditional Korean meal made with freshly harvested Gyeongju rice and ending with a gold-themed dessert.
A Diplomatic Tour with Golden Touches
The golden crown wasn’t Trump’s only glittering gift on this trip.
In Japan, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi had earlier presented him with a golden golf ball, a putter once owned by his late friend Shinzo Abe, and a golf bag signed by pro golfer Hideki Matsuyama.
These symbolic gestures from Asian leaders seemed to play directly into Trump’s well-known love for luxury and golf.
President Lee, who took office in June after the removal of former President Yoon Suk Yeol, had previously met Trump in Washington and was eager to strengthen ties between Seoul and Washington during the summit.
Talks of Peace, But No Kim Jong Un Meeting
During their bilateral discussions, Trump and Lee touched on the ongoing tension with North Korea, though Trump made it clear that he wouldn’t be meeting Kim Jong Un during this trip due to scheduling conflicts.
“I know you’re officially at war, but we’ll see what we can do to get that straightened out,” Trump said during their meeting.
“I know Kim Jong Un very well. We get along very well,” he added.
It remains unclear how much direct communication there has been between Trump’s administration and Pyongyang since he took office earlier this year.
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