Lee Jae-myung's Gifts Hit the Spot with Trump: Gilded Crown Replica and Grand Order of Mugunghwa
Trump 'Wowed' by Golden Crown Replica and Grand Order of Mugunghwa - Key Highlights
On October 29, 2025, Lee Jae-myung presented U.S. to Donald Trump with the Grand Order of Mugunghwa, South Korea's highest honor, reaffirming the strong Korea-U.S. alliance. The award ceremony took place at the Gyeongju National Museum in North Gyeongsang Province, adding significance due to the location representing Korea's history and culture. Trump became the first U.S. to receive the Mugunghwa Order, marking a new chapter in the history of bilateral relations. Along with the medal, Lee Jae-myung gifted Trump a replica of the golden crown from Cheonmachong Tomb, a gesture tailored to his tastes. The Cheonmachong golden crown is a relic representing the brilliant culture of the Silla Kingdom, serving as an opportunity to introduce Korean history and art to the United States. Trump, upon receiving the golden crown replica, responded with gratitude, saying, "Thank you very much. I will treasure it." He also emphasized the importance of the Korea-U.S. alliance, stating, "Korea and the United States will continue to maintain a stronger alliance through this." Trump expressed his satisfaction with the gift, remarking that he was "so moved I want to wear it right away."
The Grand Order of Mugunghwa ceremony served as an important opportunity to reaffirm the long-standing friendly relations between South Korea and the United States and to pledge future cooperation. Lee Jae-myung emphasized the importance of developing bilateral relations and mutual cooperation while presenting Trump with the medal, and Trump agreed, promising to maintain a strong alliance going forward. The award ceremony at the Gyeongju National Museum not only contributed to promoting Korean history and culture to the world but also positively impacted deepening trust and respect between the two leaders. The gift of the Cheonmachong golden crown replica goes beyond a simple souvenir, carrying the symbolic meaning of sharing and promoting understanding of Korean cultural values. Trump's comment, "so moved I want to wear it right away," is a prime example of the positive effects of this cultural exchange. As such, the award ceremony and gift presentation are being evaluated as having significantly contributed to strengthening the Korea-U.S. alliance and promoting friendly relations between the two countries.
In particular, the Cheonmachong golden crown replica presented by President Lee Jae-myung to Trump is not just a simple gift but carries significant meaning symbolizing cultural exchange between South Korea and the United States. The golden crown is a representative relic showcasing the outstanding artistry and culture of the ancient Silla Kingdom and is expected to greatly contribute to introducing Korean history and traditions to the United States. Trump's emotional response upon receiving the golden crown replica proves the positive effects of this cultural exchange. Furthermore, the fact that President Trump became the first U.S. to receive the Grand Order of Mugunghwa will be recorded as a monumental event in the history of the Korea-U.S. alliance. This is a symbolic example showing that bilateral relations are developing into a true partnership that shares cultural and spiritual values beyond simple military and economic cooperation. As such, the award ceremony and gift presentation are being evaluated as having played an important role in further solidifying the friendly relations between South Korea and the United States and promoting mutual understanding.
This award ceremony is assessed as more than just a diplomatic event, but as a confirmation of the deep trust and friendship between South Korea and the United States. Lee Jae-myung's presentation of the Grand Order of Mugunghwa and the Cheonmachong golden crown replica to Trump is interpreted as a meaningful move to emphasize the importance of bilateral relations and pledge future cooperation. In particular, Trump's statement that "Korea and the United States will continue to maintain a stronger alliance through this" suggests that the Korea-U.S. alliance will continue to play a key role in maintaining peace and stability in the Northeast Asian region. In addition, Trump's comment that he was "so moved I want to wear it right away" after receiving the golden crown replica can be interpreted as expressing respect and interest in Korean culture. This is expected to have a positive impact on further invigorating cultural exchanges between the two countries and promoting mutual understanding. The award ceremony is being evaluated as an opportunity to reaffirm the strength of the Korea-U.S. alliance and to brightly forecast the future of bilateral relations.
In addition, it is widely believed that Lee Jae-myung's decision has once again emphasized the importance of the Korea-U.S. alliance amid recent international instability. In a situation where the security environment in the Northeast Asian region is worsening due to North Korea's nuclear threat and China's military expansion, the Korea-U.S. alliance plays a key role in protecting South Korea's security. The award ceremony and gift presentation are expected to contribute to further strengthening trust between the two countries and enhancing their ability to respond to common threats in this situation. In particular, the fact that Trump became the first U.S. to receive the Grand Order of Mugunghwa will be recorded as a monumental event in the history of the Korea-U.S. alliance. This is a symbolic example showing that bilateral relations are developing into a true partnership that shares cultural and spiritual values beyond simple military and economic cooperation. As such, the award ceremony is being evaluated as an opportunity to reaffirm the strength of the Korea-U.S. alliance and to brightly forecast the future of bilateral relations.
