8th Preparatory Committee for the 2025 APEC Summit
Kim Minseok Emphasizes Growing International Interest
Calls for Enhanced Cultural Programs and Thorough Security Preparation
All Ministries Urged to Cooperate for a Successful Event in Gyeongju
Prime Minister Kim Minseok stated on September 5, "Considering various circumstances after the recent Korea-U.S. summit, I believe that both the level of interest in and the scale of the APEC event will increase."
Prime Minister Kim Minseok is attending and speaking at the APEC Summit Preparation Committee held at the Government Seoul Office in Jongno-gu, Seoul on September 5, 2025. Photo by Jo Yongjun
On this day, Prime Minister Kim presided over the 8th meeting of the "2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit Preparation Committee" at the Government Seoul Office, and remarked in his opening statement, "International interest in APEC is rising." He specifically mentioned the Korea-U.S. summit as a factor that could expand the scale of the event, even as it remains unconfirmed whether key leaders such as U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend. This comment is interpreted as a reference to the possibility of President Trump's participation.
Prime Minister Kim said, "It seems the APEC Summit is now within sight. There are less than two months left," and added, "Even before the launch of the new administration, one of our biggest concerns was APEC, but thanks to everyone's efforts, preparations are proceeding step by step." He continued, "It appears that all infrastructure will be completed by mid-September, or at the latest, by the end of the month."
He went on to say, "We need to enhance the quality of various programs and cultural events," and emphasized, "Since APEC is a special opportunity to showcase Korea's cultural excellence to the world, please pay special attention to this aspect." He also instructed thorough preparation regarding the movements and security of key leaders from major participating countries, as well as other detailed matters.
Prime Minister Kim encouraged, "As the event approaches, we may need to set up a situation room on-site in Gyeongju to monitor the situation daily," and added, "Let us once again accelerate our efforts so that all ministries, North Gyeongsang Province, and Gyeongju City can work together and ensure the success of APEC."
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