[Gyeongju APEC] Trump Takes the CEO Summit Stage... Korean Business Leaders Welcome with Applause

President Trump's Special Address on the 29th
Leaders of Hyundai Motor, POSCO, Lotte and Others Gather
Business Leaders Remain Seated Despite One-Hour Delay
Emphasis on "Korea-U.S. Relations" Met with Enthusiastic Applause

As President Donald Trump of the United States took the stage at the Gyeongju APEC CEO Summit on the 29th, the heads of major Korean conglomerates were also in attendance to welcome his visit.

That afternoon, President Trump delivered a special keynote speech at the CEO Summit held at the Gyeongju Arts Center. Although he arrived at the venue about an hour later than the originally scheduled start time of 12:00 p.m., the leaders of major Korean companies remained in their seats until the end to greet him.

Donald Trump, President of the United States, is delivering a special keynote speech at the '2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation CEO Summit (APEC CEO SUMMIT)' held on the 29th at the Gyeongju Arts Center in Gyeongbuk. Photo by Kang Jinhyung

After attending the opening ceremony in the morning, the business leaders-including Chung Kisun, Chairman of HD Hyundai; Shin Dongbin, Chairman of Lotte Group; Chung Yongjin, Chairman of Shinsegae Group; Chung Euisun, Chairman of Hyundai Motor Group; Koo Kwangmo, Chairman of LG; Choi Yoonbum, Chairman of Korea Zinc; Jang Inhwa, Chairman of POSCO; and Ryu Jin, Chairman of the Federation of Korean Industries-arrived at the venue around noon and sat together in the front row platinum seats, right in front of the stage, waiting for about an hour. During this time, the leaders exchanged warm greetings and engaged in conversation with one another.

Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Euisun (right), Shinsegae Chairman Chung Yongjin, and Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong are greeting each other at the opening ceremony of the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit held on the 29th at Gyeongju Arts Center in Gyeongbuk. Photo by Joint Press Corps

Around 1:00 p.m., as President Trump appeared, Choi Taewon, Chairman of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry and chair of the CEO Summit, welcomed him and took a commemorative photo together. Howard Lutnick, U.S. Secretary of Commerce, and Scott Besant, U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, also appeared alongside President Trump and greeted Korean business leaders.

During President Trump's hour-long speech, the audience responded with enthusiastic applause about four times. In particular, he repeatedly made positive remarks about the relationship between Korea and the United States, stating, "The Republic of Korea is a friend and a close ally of the United States," and, "Korea and the United States have a very special relationship, like a marriage." When he mentioned, "Now, Korea and the United States can once again build ships together in America. Concrete results will be achieved in the near future," the audience responded with even louder applause.

On the 29th, participants are waiting for a special keynote speech by U.S. President Donald Trump at the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation CEO Summit held at the Gyeongju Arts Center in Gyeongbuk. Photo by Kang Jinhyung

After President Trump finished his speech and exited the stage, the business leaders also gradually left their seats. Following this, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and BTS member RM delivered their speeches.