Donald Trump Jr. Visits Korea Invited by Chairman Jung Yong-jin and Meets with Business Leaders
Donald Trump Jr., the eldest son of U.S. President Donald Trump, visited Korea at the invitation of Jung Yong-jin, Chairman of Shinsegae Group, and completed a two-day schedule.
As the world closely watches the uncertain tariff policies of the Trump administration, a series of meetings between Trump Jr., known as a 'behind-the-scenes power broker,' and South Korea's business leaders took place.
On the 29th, Trump Jr. arrived in Korea via a private jet through the Gimpo Airport Business Aviation Center in Gangseo-gu, Seoul. Being an unofficial schedule, he avoided the press by exiting through a small side door rather than the main entrance and traveled in a prepared Mercedes-Benz. Upon arriving in Korea, Trump Jr.'s first destination was the home of his 'close friend,' Chairman Jung Yong-jin. It is reported that Chairman Jung invited Trump Jr. to his home for dinner, where they spent about two hours together.
Chairman Jung Yong-jin as a Bridge for Private Diplomacy Amid Global Tensions
On the next day, the 30th, Trump Jr. stayed at the Chosun Palace Hotel in Gangnam, operated by Shinsegae Group, to meet with business leaders.
Attending the meeting were Kim Dong-kwan, Vice Chairman of Hanwha Group; Kim Dong-won, President of Hanwha Life Insurance; Kim Dong-sun, Vice President of Hanwha Galleria; Lee Jae-hyun, Chairman of CJ Group; Shin Yu-yeol, Vice President of Lotte Holdings; Lee Hae-jin, Chairman of Naver; Huh Yong-soo, President of GS Energy; Yang Jong-hee, Chairman of KB Financial Group; and Seo Jung-jin, Chairman of Celltrion.
The discussions were carried out under strict security measures.
The meeting took place in a secure area within the Chosun Palace building, and the participants used undisclosed routes to move around the hotel.
The duration of the discussions was reported to be between 30 minutes to an hour.
Chairman Jung remained in an office located inside the hotel building throughout the meeting, providing necessary support.
Industry insiders expect that business leaders from firms with significant stakes in the U.S. market, including those in energy, defense, finance, IT, and retail sectors, will gain insights on pressing issues through discussions with Trump Jr., which will aid them in formulating future management strategies.
Furthermore, Chairman Jung Yong-jin has maintained a close relationship with Trump Jr. for 15 years since 2010.
During Trump Jr.'s three visits to Korea last year, he met with Chairman Jung each time, and Chairman Jung also attended President Trump's inauguration ceremony in January.
This visit has garnered attention as it comes during a period of increasing uncertainty regarding U.S. tariff policies.
Through meetings with Trump Jr., domestic business leaders likely gained insights into the policy direction of the U.S. government and explored ways to enhance economic cooperation between the two countries. In particular, Chairman Jung's private diplomacy is expected to positively impact South Korea-U.S. economic relations.
Image Source: Donald Trump Jr., the eldest son of U.S. President Donald Trump, arrived at Gimpo Airport in Gangseo-gu, Seoul on the 29th, disembarking from a private jet. Invited by Chairman Jung Yong-jin of Shinsegae Group, Trump Jr. is set to have individual meetings with key corporate leaders in Korea. 2025.4.29/News1. On the 30th, Donald Trump Jr. departed through Incheon International Airport after visiting Korea, during which he conducted relay meetings with domestic business leaders. 2025.4.30/News1.
