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World leaders watch a cultural performance during the welcome dinner at the 2025 APEC Summit in Gyeongju on October 31. / Source: Yonhap News

The 2025 APEC Summit’s welcome dinner in Gyeongju turned into a global celebration of Korean culture, as top K-pop stars and performers captivated visiting leaders with a vibrant showcase of “K-culture diplomacy.”

Held on October 31 at the Lahan Hotel Grand Ballroom, the cultural gala featured G-Dragon, actor and army band member Cha Eun-woo (Lee Dong-min), dance crews led by choreographer Leejung and Street Woman Fighter champion Honey J, as well as violinist Kim Yeon-ah. About 400 guests—including President Lee Jae-myung and First Lady Kim Hye-kyung, Chinese President Xi Jinping, leaders from 21 APEC member economies, international organization heads, and global CEOs—attended the event.

G-Dragon delivered a ten-minute solo performance in a modern reinterpretation of traditional Korean attire, donning a black gat adorned with pearl chains—a look reminiscent of “Saja Boys Jin-woo” from the hit Netflix series K-Demon Hunters.

World leaders were visibly enthralled. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Chilean Foreign Minister Alberto van Klaveren, and Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s wife, Tinanon Niramith, were seen filming G-Dragon’s performance on their phones. President Lee and President Xi were also spotted exchanging remarks during the show.

Observers said the dazzling cultural presentation added a powerful finishing touch to the Gyeongju summit, underscoring how Korea’s creative industries continue to enhance its global diplomatic presence.