'Trump's Eldest Son' Sets Foot in Korea

Amid a different atmosphere from that of other countries, he experienced the 'Spring of Seoul.' Trump Jr., holding an invitation from Shinsegae Group Chairman Jeong Yong-jin, arrived in Korea on the afternoon of the 29th, landing under the skies of Gimpo in his private jet.

The 'eldest son of Trump,' who shakes the global business and political spheres with just a name, came to Korea quietly. The purpose was short and clear: a private meeting with business leaders.

The location that connected the beginning and end of the entire journey was 'Chosun Palace,' the pinnacle of Gangnam, Seoul, established by Chairman Jeong Yong-jin himself.

After dinner with Jeong Yong-jin, Trump Jr. Checked into 'Chosun Palace'

Trump Jr., the eldest son of U.S. President Donald Trump, visited Korea at the invitation of Shinsegae Group Chairman Jeong Yong-jin. This visit is interpreted as his first trip to Korea since the launch of the Trump administration's second term and reflects personal ties with Chairman Jeong.

After arriving at Gimpo International Airport in Seoul that afternoon, Trump Jr. headed straight to Chairman Jeong's residence in Seongnam for dinner with him and his wife.

After dining, Trump Jr. is reported to have stayed at the luxury hotel 'Chosun Palace' in Gangnam, Seoul. Chosun Palace is a top-tier brand hotel that opened in 2021 under Shinsegae Group, a place that Chairman Jeong has openly expressed his affection for on social media.

The decision to choose this location over Four Seasons or Grand Hyatt, which are popular among American VIP visitors valuing security and international recognition, is believed to be influenced significantly by his personal friendship with Chairman Jeong. Industry insiders report that "the symbolism and consideration of Chairman Jeong's invitation affected the choice of accommodation."

One-on-one relay meetings with CEOs… 'Trump Tariff' under-the-table coordination

On the 30th, Trump Jr. is scheduled to have individual meetings with key executives and heads of major domestic groups throughout the day. Meetings with figures such as Lee Jae-yong, Chairman of Samsung Electronics, Chey Tae-won, Chairman of SK Group, Koo Kwang-mo, Chairman of LG Group, and Kim Dong-kwan, Vice Chairman of Hanwha Group are anticipated. Some industry sources suggest the potential number of meeting participants may reach around 20.

This encounter is viewed as being heavily influenced by the strong trade policies of the Trump administration's second term. The Trump administration has already applied a basic tariff (10%) as well as high tariffs of 25% on steel and automobiles, and is reportedly considering the 'reciprocal tariff' card on some items.

As a result, industries such as semiconductors, energy, steel, and automobiles, which rely heavily on the U.S. market, have been in dire need of a stable bridge with the Trump side, and this visit by Trump Jr. is assessed as a reflection of that demand. According to reports within the business community, this visit occurred as Chairman Jeong conveyed concerns from the domestic industry and persuaded Trump Jr.

'Key Player Behind the Scenes' Trump Jr…. A Crucial Link in the Pro-Trump Network

Trump Jr., the eldest son among Trump President's three sons and two daughters, has no official title but is known as a powerful behind-the-scenes influence in the second term's administration. He played a decisive role in nominating JD Vance as a vice presidential candidate and is also believed to have been deeply involved in key cabinet selections.

Recently, he founded a private social club called 'Executive Branch,' which serves as a focal point for gathering pro-Trump figures from both politics and business, creating a network. This club also functions as an external channel linked to the policy direction of the Trump administration, indicating that this visit is interpreted as a political and economic signal beyond just a friendship visit.

How communication between the U.S. and South Korean business communities will continue under the Trump second term and what kind of cooperation this meeting, facilitated by Jeong Yong-jin, might provide for future collaboration are noteworthy.

Image source: Jeong Yong-jin’s social media, photo=Chosun Hotel & Resort, photo provided by Shinsegae Group