At the 2025 APEC Summit Welcome Dinner held in Gyeongju on the 31st, several world leaders including Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, immediately pulled out their phones when G-Dragon began to perform. President Lee Jaemyung watched G-Dragon's stage while speaking with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The official diner was attended by over 400 key figures, including President Lee and his wife, leaders and spouses from 21 APEC member and guest nations, representatives from international organizations, top global CEOs, and more. The event was hosted by Cha Eunwoo, who is currently serving in the military.
Among the performances prepared, G-Dragon's stage seemed to have captivated the world leaders. G-Dragon appeared wearing a hat that looked like the traditional Korean headwear 'Gat' and introduced himself to the audience, saying, "I'm singer G-Dragon, APEC 2025 Korea Ambassador." He then performed 'POWER,' which was released last October.
During his performance, Prime Minister Carney, along with Chilean Foreign Minister Alberto van Klaveren, and Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's wife, Tinanont Niramit, were spotted filming the performance. President Xi Jinping was also captured listening to Presiden Lee Jaemyung explain something while watching G-Dragon's stage.
Later, President Xi Jinping smiled as he was handed a paper butterfly during the children's choir performance. The choir members came down from the stage during their performance to hand the paper butterflies to the guests seated in the front rows. This was reportedly meant to represent the cultural performance's theme: 'Journey of Butterfly: Together, We Fly.'
Other performances included appearances by choreographers Leejung and Honey J, known for their work in the Netflix animation 'K-Pop Demon Hunters,' and violinist Kim Yuna.
The menu at the dinner was developed by Chef Edward Lee, which blended Korean and Western cuisine.Korean dishes such as namul bibimbap and galbijjim using ingredients from Gyeongju were served, along with Western dishes like pies and caramel desserts.
[+73][-2] I support Korea becoming a leader among international communities. Today’s community is one where we move forward together, not one of enemies and allies.
[+73][-7] They picked the perfect ambassador. Lee Jaemyung is definitely sharp.
[+68][-6] This is how cool South Korea actually is... It was not the corrupt, backward nation that the former 'Pants' and 'Bribery Monster' ruined for the past 3 years!
[+67][-9] GD’s got real talent and amazing stage presence… he’s just so cool.
[+58][-4] Did you get a good taste of K-Culture? Now, please lift the Hallyu ban.
[+51][-3] Truly the best!
[+44][-2] So proud~ GD ♥︎
[+43][-1] As expected from world leaders, they have high standards.
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