Cultural Diplomacy at APEC: How South Korea Showcased K-Beauty, K-Pop, and Cuisine to World Leaders

Nvidia's CEO Jensen Huang enjoys a beer at a Seoul chicken restaurant on October 30.

South Korea recently hosted world leaders and business executives for discussions on critical issues ranging from tariffs and artificial intelligence to historical disputes and regional security matters.

Beyond the formal diplomacy, the APEC summit featured numerous elements showcasing South Korea's dynamic cultural heritage and modern influences.

President Trump received a distinctive gift during his visit – a replica of the most elaborate golden crown from the ancient Silla dynasty, which ruled Korea from 57 BC to 935 AD. The presentation took place during an elegant ceremony in the historic city of Gyeongju.

President Lee Jae Myung wore a gold-colored tie for the occasion, and Trump was served a special gold-themed dessert, catering to his well-known preference for the precious metal.

Meanwhile, "No Kings" protests were occurring across the United States, with demonstrators expressing concerns about Trump's leadership style. After news of the crown gift spread, social media quickly filled with memes depicting Trump wearing royal headgear.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt generated social media buzz by sharing her Korean beauty product purchases on Instagram. The 28-year-old's post featured cleansing oil, face masks, pore treatment pads, and moisturizer, accompanied by a heart-eyes emoji and the caption "South Korea skincare finds."

The summit included a dedicated "K-Beauty Pavilion" where international visitors could experience the latest innovations in Korean skincare, highlighting the country's growing influence in the global beauty industry.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang visited South Korea to announce plans for supplying 260,000 advanced chips to the country, but his dining experience generated significant attention. Huang enjoyed "chimaek" – the popular Korean pairing of fried chicken and beer – with Samsung Chairman Lee Jae-yong and Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Chung Eui-sun.

Their dinner at Kkanbu restaurant, a name meaning "friend" that gained popularity from the hit series "Squid Game," went viral and attracted crowds of onlookers. Nvidia reportedly selected this venue to symbolize cooperation in AI and semiconductor manufacturing.

Huang later admitted to trying "somaek" – a Korean drink combining soju and beer – which left him feeling somewhat tired the following day.

The APEC welcome dinner featured a performance by K-pop star G-Dragon, who appeared wearing a traditional Korean "gat" hat. This distinctive headwear has gained international recognition following the success of Netflix's animated film "KPop Demon Hunters," which features characters called the Saja Boys who disguise themselves as a K-pop group while wearing these traditional hats.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and South Korean President Lee were observed enjoying "makgeolli," a traditional Korean rice brew flavored with yuzu citrus, according to South Korea's presidential office.