[Gyeongju APEC] Leaders Gather at CEO Summit Welcome Dinner... Choi Taewon: "A Multilateral Platform Everyone Can Enjoy" (Comprehensive)

First Event Held at Hwarang Village on the Evening of the 28th
Chairman Choi Taewon Welcomes Guests, Including Prime Minister Kim Minseok
OECD, Google, and U.S. Ambassador Gather Together

The "2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit," the largest economic forum in the Asia-Pacific region, opened in grand style in Gyeongju.

On the evening of the 28th, the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry hosted the official welcome dinner, the first event of the CEO Summit, at the Hwarang Village Eoulmadang in Gyeongju. The CEO Summit will run for four days, starting with this welcome dinner and continuing through the 31st.

The CEO Summit brings together leaders from APEC member economies, which account for 61% of global GDP, along with global corporate CEOs, to discuss pressing global agendas. This year, the summit is organized by the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The welcome dinner was held to encourage attendees visiting Gyeongju and to wish for the successful hosting of the main CEO Summit. In his welcoming remarks, Chairman Choi Tae-won of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry said, "This is a great place to exchange ideas and work together on bigger businesses," adding, "This APEC will become a multilateral platform that everyone can enjoy and will make a true contribution to humanity."

Prime Minister Kim Minseok and Chairman Choi Tae-won of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry are toasting with the attendees. Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Key government and local officials in attendance included Prime Minister Kim Minseok, Yeo Han-koo, Deputy Minister for Trade at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, and Lee Cheol-woo, Governor of North Gyeongsang Province.

Among domestic business leaders were Chairman Choi, Park Seunghee, President of Samsung Electronics, Yoo Jeongjun, Vice Chairman of SK On, Lee Hyunghee, Chairman of the SK SUPEX Council, Sung Kim, President of Hyundai Motor Company, Ryu Jaecheol, President of LG Electronics, Cho Seok, Vice Chairman of HD Hyundai, Hong Soonki, Vice Chairman of GS, Lee Heegeun, President of POSCO, Han Chaeyang, President of Emart, Song Chi-hyung, Chairman of Dunamu, Cho Seokjin, Chief Nuclear Officer (CNO) of Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, Yang Jonghee, Chairman of KB Financial Group, Choi Yunbeom, Chairman of Korea Zinc, Woo Kihong, Vice Chairman of Korean Air, Heo Minhoe, CEO of CJ, and Choi Sooyoun, CEO of Naver.

Foreign dignitaries in Korea included David Perdue, U.S. Ambassador to China, Paul Fernando Duclos Parodi, Ambassador of Peru to Korea, Mohamed Zamruni Bin Khalid, Ambassador of Malaysia to Korea, and Bernadette Therese C. Fernandez, Ambassador of the Philippines to Korea.

Additionally, Mathias Cormann, Secretary-General of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Simon Kahn, Chief Marketing Officer of Google, Governor Lee, and President Park led toasts wishing for the successful hosting of the summit.

During the approximately 90-minute standing dinner, attendees enjoyed Korean cuisine and music while engaging in broad exchanges with key figures from various countries and industries.

The dinner menu featured a diverse array of dishes, ranging from traditional Korean food using local specialties such as Gyeongju Hanwoo beef and abalone from the East Sea, to halal and vegan options reflecting the diverse food cultures of the participating countries. The dinner wine selection included award-winning products from North Gyeongsang Province, recognized at major domestic and international competitions such as the Berlin Wine Trophy, the Korean Traditional Liquor Tasting Contest, and the Korea Liquor Awards.

A variety of celebratory performances were also presented. The first performance featured the KBS Symphony Orchestra, which marked the dynamic opening of the CEO Summit with pieces such as the Light Cavalry Overture, the Nutcracker March, and the Carnival Overture.

The second performance was by Forestella, a four-member Korean male popera group, who introduced the rhythms of Korea through songs in various languages, including Korean, English, Spanish, and Italian.

On the 28th, the 2025 APEC CEO Summit is set to be held at Gyeongju Arts Center. Photo by Kang Jinhyung

With the welcome dinner marking the opening, the APEC CEO Summit will continue through the 31st. Following the welcome dinner on the 28th and the opening ceremony on the 29th, the official program will unfold under the theme "Bridge, Business, Beyond (3B)."

On the first day, the 29th, discussions will focus on "Bridge," exploring ways to restore connections and trust and to enhance economic cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region. On the 30th, under the theme "Business," concrete action plans for innovation, including artificial intelligence (AI) and next-generation energy, will be addressed. On the final day, the 31st, the theme "Beyond" will guide discussions on new paradigms for sustainable prosperity.

In addition to the official program, a variety of side events are scheduled. The "Future Tech Forum," held from October 27 to 30, will see global leaders discuss actionable cooperation plans for six key future industries, including AI, eco-friendly shipbuilding, and the defense industry. The "K-Tech Showcase," running from the 28th to the 31st, will present the innovative technologies of Korean companies to the world, facilitating investment and partnerships. Other programs, such as wine and traditional liquor fairs, K-art exhibitions, and beauty and wellness experiences, will create a comprehensive exchange platform blending industry and culture.

Park Iljun, Executive Vice Chairman of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said, "This welcome dinner is a meaningful occasion where key figures and businesspeople from various countries gather before the main summit to break down barriers and build friendship and partnerships. This year's summit focuses on one-on-one meetings between global CEOs and APEC leaders, and we expect it to generate diverse investment opportunities and practical cooperation measures."