G-Dragon Shines at the 2025 APEC Summit Welcome Dinner in Gyeongju: A Historic Moment for K-Culture and Global Diplomacy
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Singer G-Dragon electrified the stage at the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit Welcome Dinner in Gyeongju, delivering a mesmerizing performance that captured the attention of world leaders and elevated K-culture’s global prestige.
A Night Where Diplomacy Met K-Pop Brilliance
The Welcome Dinner for the 2025 APEC Summit, held on October 31 at the Lahan Select Hotel Grand Ballroom in Gyeongju, was more than an official diplomatic event — it was a cultural spectacle that perfectly intertwined Korean artistry with international unity.
Among the many highlights, the most talked-about moment came when G-Dragon (real name Kwon Ji-yong, 37) took the stage as the only K-pop artist to perform that evening. Declaring, “I’m G-Dragon, the APEC 2025 Ambassador,” he opened with his hit song “Power,” instantly captivating the crowd.
G-Dragon: The Face of K-Culture at APEC 2025
Dressed in a stylish fedora adorned with pearl strings, inspired by the traditional Korean gat and reminiscent of Jinwoo from the Netflix animation K-Pop Demon Hunters, G-Dragon embodied the fusion of modernity and heritage.
His 10-minute performance included “Power,” “Drama,” and “Home Sweet Home,” each number building in energy and emotion. The stage lighting, live band, and choreography amplified the impact, transforming the ballroom into a mini concert hall — but with the world’s top leaders as the audience.
Global Leaders Captivated by G-Dragon’s Performance
The performance quickly became one of the most memorable moments of the summit. President Lee Jae-myung of South Korea was seen chatting with Chinese President Xi Jinping while enjoying the performance. The energy was infectious — Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Chilean Foreign Minister Alberto van Klaveren, and Thailand Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s wife, Thananon Niramit, were all spotted recording G-Dragon on their cell phones.
Their smiles and applause reflected not only admiration for the star but also appreciation for Korea’s ability to blend entertainment diplomacy with cultural pride.
“Journey of Butterfly: Together, We Fly” — A Celebration of Unity
After the dinner, guests were treated to a cultural performance themed “Journey of Butterfly: Together, We Fly.” The show featured dancers Honey J and Lee Jung, an 11-year-old violinist Kim Yuna, and beatboxer Kim Jong-un, showcasing the diversity of Korean talent.
A heartwarming moment unfolded when a children’s choir descended from the stage, handing out paper butterflies — symbolic of the APEC emblem — to world leaders in the front row. President Xi Jinping smiled warmly upon receiving his, a gesture that embodied the event’s message of peace, growth, and shared prosperity.
A Culinary Celebration: Harmony of Korean and Western Cuisine
The dinner’s theme, “Harmony of Korean and Western Cuisine,” perfectly represented the evening’s diplomatic tone. Chefs prepared exquisite dishes like vegetable bibimbap and braised short ribs made from local Gyeongju ingredients, balanced with Western delights like savory pies and caramel desserts.
This culinary artistry reinforced Korea’s dedication to sustainable gastronomy and cultural harmony — key themes of the 2025 APEC Summit.
A Star-Studded Evening with Cha Eun-woo as MC
Adding to the evening’s charm, singer and actor Cha Eun-woo, currently serving in the Army Band Fanfare, hosted the dinner as MC. His poised presence and natural charisma bridged the formal tone of diplomacy with the vibrancy of K-entertainment, further elevating Korea’s global cultural influence.
A Symbolic Blend of Culture, Leadership, and Global Unity
With over 400 guests — including heads of state and their spouses from 21 APEC member and invited economies, CEOs, international organization representatives, and key figures — the Welcome Dinner served as a living symbol of global cooperation.
G-Dragon’s performance transcended language barriers and cultural divides, illustrating how music can serve as soft power — connecting people, promoting understanding, and reinforcing Korea’s image as a cultural powerhouse.
Media Reactions and Global Impact
News outlets and social media worldwide were abuzz after the event. Yonhap News, Reuters, and BBC Asia highlighted how G-Dragon’s appearance marked a new chapter in diplomatic entertainment, noting that K-pop had once again taken center stage in international relations.
Fans flooded online platforms with admiration, proud to see their idol representing Korea on one of the world’s most prestigious stages.
Conclusion: A Moment to Remember in APEC History
The Welcome Dinner for the 2025 APEC Summit in Gyeongju will be remembered not just for its grandeur but for its heartfelt representation of Korea’s cultural diplomacy. G-Dragon’s electrifying performance and the event’s artistic brilliance symbolized the power of creativity in building bridges between nations.
In the end, the message was clear — together, we fly higher, just like the butterflies that filled the ballroom with hope and unity.
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✅ External Link:
For more information about APEC’s mission and member economies, visit the Official APEC Website.
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