Trump Jokes About Wearing Gold Crown Gifted by South Korea During US Visit

US President Donald Trump received a golden crown from South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on Wednesday during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings

A symbolic gesture aimed at strengthening diplomatic and trade ties between the two nations. The crown, a replica of one from the ancient Silla kingdom, was presented as South Korea pushed to finalize a long-stalled $350 billion trade and investment deal with the United States.

Following the meeting, Lee’s aide Kim Yong-beom announced that the two countries had reached an agreement on the tariff negotiations. “South Korea’s financial investment package for the United States, worth $350 billion, consists of $200 billion in cash investment and $150 billion in shipbuilding cooperation,” Kim said.

The golden crown, inspired by Silla’s royal heritage, features branching tree motifs that symbolize divine authority. The original artifact is housed at the Gyeongju National Museum in South Korea.

Trump also became the first American president to receive the Grand Order of Mugunghwa — South Korea’s highest civilian honor, named after its national flower, the Rose of Sharon.

At a working lunch that followed, guests were served gold-adorned brownies and tangerines on plates inscribed with the word “PEACE,” a gesture meant to “celebrate a golden era of the Korea–US alliance,” Lee’s office said.

Calling the gift “very special,” Trump quipped, “I would like to wear it right now,” drawing laughter from the room. He later expressed gratitude for the honor, telling reporters that he would “cherish the beautiful medal” and that relations between the United States and South Korea were entering “a great new chapter.”