Strangers Next Door: Estonian Mai Pursues Hanbok Modeling Dream
APEC Summit Opens in Gyeongju, World Leaders Arrive
The 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit is set to kick off tomorrow (29th) in Gyeongju. Representatives from 21 member nations will attend, with particular global attention focused on the state visits of U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Trump's visit marks his first to South Korea in six years since 2019, while Xi's is the first in eleven years since 2014. Meanwhile, tonight (28th) at 7:40 PM KST, KBS's popular program 'Strangers Next Door' (Episode 503) will feature the story of Mai, who hails from Estonia.
Gyeongju is expected to be the center of global attention during the APEC Summit. Leaders will discuss economic cooperation strategies and strengthen diplomatic ties through various bilateral meetings. President Trump is scheduled to deliver a keynote speech at the APEC CEO Summit on the 29th, which is expected to contain important messages about the direction and future of the global economy. Canadian Prime Minister Marc Carney and Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong are also making official visits, further enhancing the significance of this APEC Summit.
In addition to the major heads of state, key figures from the Asia-Pacific region are attending the APEC Summit, including Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. Chilean President Gabriel Boric is the only Latin American leader to attend this APEC, drawing particular attention. Russia will send Deputy Prime Minister for International Affairs Alexei Overchuk as its representative instead of President Vladimir Putin, while Taiwan will be represented by Senior Advisor to the President, Lin Hsin-i. Chief Executive John Lee will participate as the representative of Hong Kong.
Heads of state will arrive via Gimhae International Airport. Hyundai Motor Group is providing 192 ceremonial vehicles to ensure the successful hosting of the APEC Summit. Thirty-five Presidential Residence Suites (PRS) have been prepared in 12 major hotels in the Gyeongju area for top-level dignitaries. The U.S. delegation is reportedly staying at the Hilton Hotel, the Chinese delegation at the Kolon Hotel, and the Japanese delegation at the Lahan Select Hotel. Police have issued a 'Class A Emergency' alert throughout Gyeongbuk Province, including Gyeongju, during the APEC Summit and will maintain a strict security posture.
President Lee Jae-myung will participate as a special speaker at the opening ceremony of the 'APEC CEO Summit' on the morning of the 29th, outlining the Republic of Korea's economic vision and its commitment to strengthening cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region. This APEC Summit is expected to be an opportunity for South Korea to play an even more important role in the international community. In particular, it is anticipated that cooperation in various fields such as economy and security will be enhanced through bilateral meetings with leaders of major countries, maximizing the national interests of South Korea.
Meanwhile, tonight's broadcast of KBS's 'Strangers Next Door' will feature the story of Mai, who came to Korea from Estonia. Mai will showcase her deep affection for Korean culture by competing in a Hanbok modeling competition. 'Strangers Next Door' sincerely portrays the lives of foreigners of various nationalities as they adapt to Korean society, providing viewers with both touching moments and entertainment. This episode featuring Mai is also highly anticipated by many viewers. The APEC Summit, along with the broadcast of 'Strangers Next Door' featuring Mai, is expected to provide a diverse range of viewing options for the Korean public tonight.
