Photos and Video Released on Social Media
"If You Are Not There During My Next Visit, May I Use This Key to Enter?"
"Hoping the Golden Key Will Open the Door to a Strong Korea-U.S. Alliance"
President Lee Jaemyung has released footage of himself unboxing the White House golden key he received from U.S. President Donald Trump.
On the 30th, President Lee posted a video and photos of himself unboxing the box containing the golden key on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, writing, "Could this be the key to the White House? If you're not in your office the next time I visit, would it be alright if I use this key to open the door?" He ended the post with a '^^ (smile)' symbol.
President Lee continued, "I hope this golden key, filled with the spirit of communication, will open the door to an even stronger South Korea-U.S. alliance. I am always grateful for your unwavering friendship and deep trust." The message posted on social media was also provided in English.
The video is 57 seconds long. President Lee, at his desk, says, "Alright, shall we try unboxing this?" and opens the box containing the golden key. After taking out the key and examining it, he explains, "It says 'KEY TO THE WHITE HOUSE.' On the back here, it says 'President Trump.'" He then adds, "They say if the White House door doesn't open, you can use this to open it. I'll have to check if that's really true," before putting the golden key back in the box and closing the lid.
On the 16th, President Trump, during a meeting with Kang Kyungwha, the South Korean Ambassador to the United States, mentioned, "I received a very precious gift during my visit to Korea on the 10th," and presented the golden key as a gift. During the South Korea-U.S. summit held on the occasion of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju, President Lee presented President Trump with the Grand Order of Mugunghwa and a model of the Silla Gold Crown from Cheonmachong.
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