Socialist Politician Addresses Controversy Over Aunt's 9/11-Era Subway Experience
South Korea to Host APEC 2025 in Gyeongju, Major World Leaders Expected
On October 28, 2025, The Korea Herald reported that APEC 2025 will be held in Gyeongju, South Korea. The APEC summit is scheduled to begin on Friday, with state visits from U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. President Trump and President Xi are each scheduled to hold talks with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung this week. In particular, President Trump is expected to arrive in South Korea on Wednesday after departing from Tokyo to meet with President Lee. However, President Trump is reportedly not planning to attend the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting. Despite this, President Trump has left open the possibility of a longer stay in South Korea if a meeting with North Korean Chairman Kim Jong-un materializes. This could be a significant variable in the situation on the Korean Peninsula. President Xi Jinping will remain in South Korea until Saturday, attending the handover ceremony. This APEC meeting is seen as a crucial test for South Korean diplomacy.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is also scheduled to visit South Korea for a summit with President Lee Jae-myung. Additionally, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Chilean President Gabriel Boric, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, and Vietnamese President Luong Cuong, among other leaders from APEC member states, are expected to visit Gyeongju. UAE Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan is also reportedly attending APEC. This APEC meeting is expected to be an important forum for discussing various issues, including global economic cooperation and regional security. In particular, the meetings between leaders of major powers could have a positive impact on the situation on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia.
Political Trends: Shifting Approval Ratings and Real Estate Controversy
Recent Gallup Korea polls show simultaneous increases in the approval ratings of President Lee Jae-myung and the Democratic Party of Korea. This is interpreted as a positive assessment of the government's diplomatic efforts in the lead-up to the APEC summit. However, real estate-related controversies continue to plague the political sphere. People Power Party lawmaker Jang Dong-hyuk has become the center of controversy after it was revealed that he and his spouse own six apartments. Jang Dong-hyuk stated that he owns a 35-pyeong apartment in Guro-gu, Seoul, two apartments in Boryeong, and an officetel near the National Assembly. In response, Jang Dong-hyuk actively defended himself, stating his willingness to exchange his houses and land for Democratic Party floor leader Kim Byung-ki's 'Rose Apartment.' However, criticism of the People Power Party regarding real estate issues is intensifying, as it has been revealed that the party owns more real estate in the Gangnam 3 districts than the Democratic Party. The impact of these real estate controversies on future political shifts remains to be seen.
North American Relations Outlook: President Trump Hints at Possible Meeting with Chairman Kim
U.S. President Donald Trump has opened up new possibilities for North American relations by stating that he is willing to meet with North Korean Chairman Kim Jong-un if Kim contacts him. Trump's remarks are interpreted as a demonstration of his commitment to resolving the Korean Peninsula issue ahead of the APEC summit. However, it remains to be seen whether Kim Jong-un will actually contact Trump. If North American relations progress positively, there is growing anticipation that this could have a positive impact on the Korean Peninsula peace process. However, some analysts suggest that Trump's remarks may be mere diplomatic gestures. The international community is focusing on the future direction of North American relations. In particular, there are speculations that behind-the-scenes contact between North America may occur during President Trump's visit to South Korea.
