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Beauty products and fried chicken: Korean culture meets diplomacy at summit

The Straits Times

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November 02, 2025

World leaders and business titans gathered in South Korea this week to hash out issues from tariffs and AI to regional security.

Beauty products and fried chicken: Korean culture meets diplomacy at summit

But beyond the staid statecraft, the Apec summit and sideline events featured plenty of nods to the host country’s vibrant pop culture and history.

TRUMP'S GOLDEN CROWN

US President Donald Trump may be facing “no kings” protests back home, but in South Korea, officials had the perfect gift for the gold loving magnate a replica of an ancient royal crown.

At a lavish ceremony in the historic capital of Gyeongju, Mr Trump was presented with a replica of the “largest and most extravagant” gold crown from the Silla dynasty, which ruled from 57 BC to 935 AD.

Catering to the US leader’s fondness for the precious metal, President Lee Jae Myung wore a gold tie and Mr Trump was served a gold-themed dessert.

Meanwhile, across the United States, protesters have decried Mr Trump’s “king-like” presidency.

After news of the gift broke, memes mocking a crowned Mr Trump flooded social media.

imageK-BEAUTY HAUL

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