South Korean Honors for Donald Trump
On Wednesday, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung awarded Donald Trump the Order of Mugunghwa, the country’s highest honor, along with a replica of the Golden Cheonmachong Crown. Lee remarked that this recognition showcases the “new trust and friendship between South Korea and the United States.”
Kim Tae-jin, the Vice Minister for Protocol Affairs, emphasized that this award represents the spirit of Silla, an ancient kingdom known for fostering peace on the Korean peninsula. He conveyed that this occasion marks the dawn of a “golden age” for the Korea-U.S. alliance and presented the crown during a state visit to Gyeongju.
He explained that the crown symbolizes the divine connection between authority and leadership, underscoring the strength of the leader. Additionally, Trump, noted for his peacemaking efforts, received the Grand Mugunghwa Medal—making him the first U.S. president to acquire this distinction.
Trump arrived in South Korea as part of his Asian tour before heading to the ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Gyeongju, a city with historical importance as the ancient capital of the Silla Kingdom, has been selected to host the 2025 APEC forum. Notably, with limited infrastructure, cruise ships have been repurposed into floating hotels for the event, reflecting Gyeongju’s heritage, often referred to as the “museum without walls.”
The crown given to Trump is inspired by the original found in one of Gyeongju’s royal tombs, featuring a unique mural of a flying horse—hence its name, “Tenmazuka.” The design carries elements like a trident that historically symbolizes mountains, representing strength in both Korean and broader Asian cultures.
The Order of Mugunghwa, established in 1949, is a prestigious award given by the Republic of Korea. Its design has evolved significantly over the years, originally inspired by a similar honor created by the Republic of China.
Trump expressed his admiration for the award, stating, “It couldn’t be more beautiful,” and even expressed a desire to wear it immediately.
During a bilateral summit following the ceremony, Lee urged Trump to supply South Korea with fuel for its nuclear submarines, highlighting a potential increase in military expenditure aimed at bolstering regional defense. “With permitted fuel supplies, we could enhance our naval security,” he noted, addressing current limitations with conventional diesel submarines in monitoring developments regarding North Korea and China.
Lee reaffirmed his commitment to significantly boost South Korea’s defense capabilities and spending to ease the defense burden on the United States. He also expressed readiness to cooperate with Trump on revitalizing U.S. manufacturing, especially in shipbuilding, emphasizing that this partnership benefits both nations’ economies and strengthens their alliance.
Lastly, Lee applauded Trump’s previous interactions with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, stating that Trump has made substantial efforts to foster a sense of peace in the region. He optimistically predicted that this collaboration could plant the seeds for a lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula.
