"Between Trump’s Eldest Son, Brother, and Younger Brother"… Jeong Yong-jin’s 'Crazy' Connections

Trump Jr. Met with Jeong Yong-jin During Visit to Korea
Expected to Serve as Bridge Between Trump Administration and Korean Business Circles

Chung Yong-jin, chairman of Shinsegae Group, and Donald Trump Jr., eldest son of former U.S. President Donald Trump, have attracted attention for their friendship. Earlier, Chairman Chung drew attention by posting two photos on his Instagram on January 31, about two months before his inauguration in March this year. One photo was with Donald Trump Jr., then the eldest son of Donald Trump, the Republican presidential candidate, and the other was with Trump Jr. and his spouse. Along with the photos, Chairman Chung wrote, "Met with Trump Jr. and had various conversations. About 10 years ago, we sat next to each other at a media company event."

Chairman Chung Yong-jin of Shinsegae Group and Donald Trump Jr., the eldest son of former U.S. President Donald Trump, have attracted attention for their friendship. Earlier, Chairman Chung drew attention by posting two photos on his Instagram on January 31, about two months before his inauguration in March this year. Chung Yong-jin Instagram

Trump Jr. is the senior vice chairman of the Trump Organization and is considered one of the most influential figures in the second Trump administration, having worked in his father's presidential campaign and contributed to his re-election efforts. According to business circles, Chairman Chung and Trump Jr. are known to have a close friendship, to the extent of calling each other like brothers. Their relationship began about 3 to 4 years ago when an acquaintance of Chairman Chung arranged a meeting between him and former President Trump in New York. However, due to a sudden schedule change for former President Trump, Trump Jr. appeared instead, and the meeting happened by chance.

On that day, the two seemed to have built their friendship through conversations on various topics. Although Chairman Chung, born in 1968, is about ten years older than Trump Jr. (born in 1977), their physical age difference did not pose any obstacle, according to reports. Additionally, their deep Christian faith is said to have acted as a catalyst in strengthening their bond.

During a meeting in the U.S. last year, Trump Jr. brought his fianc?e to introduce her to Chairman Chung, and they had a meal together. Trump Jr. met with Chairman Chung during his two official visits to Korea this year, and it is known that they also have private meetings separately. Trump Jr. even expressed his gratitude by directly mentioning Chairman Chung while speaking at an event themed "Make Korea Great Again." As their friendship became known, some speculate that Chairman Chung might serve as a bridge connecting the Trump administration and the Korean business community.

In the domestic business world, Kim Seung-yeon, chairman of Hanwha Group, and Ryu Jin, chairman of Poongsan Group, are known to have connections with Trump or the Republican Party, but none have direct channels linking them to the Trump family like Chairman Chung. A business insider said, "Chairman Chung is reportedly the only person in Korea who can communicate directly with key figures of the Trump administration," adding, "Ahead of the launch of the second Trump administration, if necessary for economic diplomacy, we should actively utilize Chairman Chung's network assets by laying the groundwork."