Donald Trump received a striking gift during his visit to South Korea – a replica of the ancient Cheonmachong crown, a symbol of royalty. The presentation, made by President Lee Jae Myung, was intended to honor Trump’s perceived role in fostering peace on the Korean peninsula.
The gesture arrived less than two weeks after massive “No Kings” protests swept across the United States, fueled by opposition to Trump’s policies. The irony wasn’t lost, as the President, ever demonstrative, immediately quipped he’d “like to wear it right now” upon receiving the glittering decoration.
However, the lavish ceremony unfolded against a backdrop of escalating tensions. While Trump was being celebrated in Seoul, North Korea announced successful tests of sea-to-surface cruise missiles, launching them during his visit. These missiles reportedly flew for over two hours, striking targets within North Korea itself.
Despite the provocative act, Trump downplayed the launches, stating Kim Jong Un had been “launching missiles for decades.” He reiterated his willingness to meet with the North Korean leader, acknowledging the challenges in coordinating a summit. “I know Kim Jong Un very well,” he said, “We get along very well. We really weren’t able to work out timing.”
Joint military officials from Seoul and the US are currently analyzing the newly tested weapons, emphasizing a commitment to maintaining a strong defense posture. Pyongyang’s recent actions, including last week’s hypersonic missile tests, signal a continued focus on bolstering its nuclear capabilities.
Diplomatic channels remain largely closed. North Korea has shown no interest in resuming talks with Washington or Seoul since negotiations stalled in 2019, primarily due to disagreements over sanctions. Experts are divided on whether Trump’s repeated overtures will ultimately prove successful, with some suggesting Pyongyang may be reluctant to ignore the US President’s attention.
Trump’s trip includes discussions with President Lee and anticipates engagement with Chinese President Xi Jinping ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation leaders’ summit. However, it is expected that the US President will not participate in the APEC meeting itself.
