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AbstractWave · 61-69, M
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has faced accusations of potentially "trolling" "No Kings" protestors, specifically those in the United States demonstrating against U.S. President Donald Trump.
The speculation arose after President Lee gifted Donald Trump a replica of a historic golden crown during the APEC summit in Gyeongju, South Korea, in late October 2025. This gift came just weeks after millions of Americans participated in "No Kings, No Trump" protests against what they described as the authoritarian policies of President Trump.
While some observers view the timing and nature of the gift as a potential subtle jab or a diplomatic misstep in the context of the U.S. protests, South Korea has a history of gift-giving that draws on national culture, and the crown is a significant national artifact (a Silla-era golden crown). The South Korean government has not officially stated that the gift was intended as a form of trolling, and it was likely intended as a formal diplomatic gesture.
The speculation arose after President Lee gifted Donald Trump a replica of a historic golden crown during the APEC summit in Gyeongju, South Korea, in late October 2025. This gift came just weeks after millions of Americans participated in "No Kings, No Trump" protests against what they described as the authoritarian policies of President Trump.
While some observers view the timing and nature of the gift as a potential subtle jab or a diplomatic misstep in the context of the U.S. protests, South Korea has a history of gift-giving that draws on national culture, and the crown is a significant national artifact (a Silla-era golden crown). The South Korean government has not officially stated that the gift was intended as a form of trolling, and it was likely intended as a formal diplomatic gesture.