US President Donald Trump received a surprise gift from South Korean officials — a replica of the golden Cheonmachong crown and a medal. At home, Trump is facing ‘No Kings” protests but in the foreign country, the monarch-loving magnate was awarded with a medal — “Grand Order of Mugunghwa”, the country’s highest decoration.
The medal had a laurel leaf design that symbolizes prosperity and it was given “in anticipation of the peace and prosperity you will bring to the Korean peninsula,” Trump was told.
On Wednesday, Trump met South Korean counterpart Lee Jae Myung, as part of his visit in which he is expected to hold trade talks with China President Xi Jinping.
The South Korean officials, who organized a lavish welcome ceremony in the historic capital Gyeongju, capped off the ceremony by presenting a replica of a crown worn by the kings of Silla, the dynasty that ruled from 57 BC to 935 AD. The officials informed Trump that that gift was a replica of “the largest and most extravagant of the existing gold crowns”.
It also represented “the divine connection between heavenly and earthly leadership.” Seoul’s presidential office said the headgear symbolizes “peace, coexistence, and shared prosperity on the peninsula — values that mirror the Silla dynasty’s long era of stability.”
Responding to the warmth of the officials, Trump said, “It’s a great honour. I’d like to wear it right now.”