(Seoul = Yonhap News) Reporter Lee Do-yeon = Foreign media outlets evaluated that South Korea prepared a gold crown model as a gift and awarded the Mugunghwa Medal to commemorate U.S. President Donald Trump's visit to South Korea on the 29th, taking advantage of his taste for extravagant gifts.
Foreign media outlets analyzed that during President Trump's recent Asian tour, not only South Korea but also other countries are trying to ease tensions in the trade and defense sectors by sending gifts tailored to his tastes.
On this day, President Lee Jae-myung awarded President Trump the Grand Order of Mugunghwa, the highest decoration of the Republic of Korea, upon his arrival at the Millennium Smile Hall of the Gyeongju National Museum for the summit, and presented him with a model of the Cheonmachong Tomb gold crown, which was specially made for him.
The Washington Post (WP) introduced that this gold crown model is a replica of a crown excavated from the Silla Kingdom, which ruled most of the Korean Peninsula until the 10th century and whose capital was Gyeongju.
He added that Silla used gold and engaged in active trade on the Silk Road, earning it the name of the 'Golden Kingdom.'
Additionally, an official stated that since Silla was the first dynasty to unify three kingdoms on the Korean Peninsula, this crown symbolizes an era of peace and unity.
However, the Washington Post also noted that President Trump received the crown shortly after"No Kings" protests against the Trump administration's authoritarian measures took place across the United States.
The Washington Post explained the Mugunghwa Medal that President Trump received, saying,"It is a laurel leaf medal attached to a gold necklace, and is Korea's highest 'honor,' and President Trump became the first U.S. president to receive it."
CNN also reported that South Korea planned an event to capitalize on President Trump's love of gold during his visit to the country.
The broadcast reported that the dessert served at the luncheon meeting that day was a 'golden dessert' with the meaning of 'both countries dedicating themselves together to peace and prosperity.'
He added that President Trump also showed his affection for gold in relation to the White House in January, immediately after taking office for his second term, and that a large number of gold decorations were installed in the Oval Office, and that gold chandeliers and gold-plated columns will be installed in the banquet hall currently under construction.
