Personally Designed by Trump... The Last of Five Golden Keys
A Reciprocal Gift for the Silla Crown
"A Message of Strong Alliance"
It has been revealed that U.S. President Donald Trump gifted President Lee Jaemyung the "Golden Key to the White House." Kang Hoon-sik, Chief Secretary to the President, stated that the gift symbolizes the trust and cooperative relationship between the leaders of South Korea and the United States.
On December 24, Chief Secretary Kang Hoon-sik announced via his social network service (SNS) Facebook page that President Trump delivered a special greeting and gift to President Lee through Ambassador Kang Kyung-hwa to the United States during their meeting on December 16.
According to Chief Secretary Kang, President Trump said, "I received a very precious gift during my visit to Korea last October," and sent President Lee the last remaining key out of five Golden Keys to the White House. He reportedly commented about President Lee, "I really like him," and stated, "The best cooperative relationship has been established between the two leaders."
The "precious gift" mentioned by President Trump appears to refer to the model of the Silla Golden Crown he received during the South Korea-U.S. summit held on the occasion of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju. At that time, President Trump expressed his satisfaction by saying, "Our country is being respected again."
The photo released by Chief Secretary Kang shows the Golden Key contained in a wooden case engraved in gold with a panoramic view of the White House and President Trump's signature. The key is inscribed with the seal of the President of the United States and the phrase "KEY TO THE WHITE HOUSE."
Chief Secretary Kang explained that this key is a symbolic item personally designed by President Trump to be given to special guests. Previously, it has been reported that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso, Tesla CEO Elon Musk, and soccer player Cristiano Ronaldo have received this key.
Chief Secretary Kang stated, "I hope that the Golden Key, which holds special meaning, becomes a symbol of the strong South Korea-U.S. relationship," and added, "We will continue to shape the future of the South Korea-U.S. alliance together."
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