[Anchor’s Commentary] The gifts exchanged between President Lee Jae-myung and U.S. President Donald Trump have become a topic of interest. Notably, when President Trump showed interest in the pen used by President Lee, President Lee immediately gifted it to him. The two leaders also shared their experiences of being attacked, fostering a sense of camaraderie. Here’s the report by Lee Byung-joo.
[Reporter] President Lee Jae-myung leaves a message in the guest book at the White House under the guidance of President Trump. After writing the message, “The golden era of the Korea-U.S. alliance ushers in a strong and great future,” and signing it, President Trump expressed interest in the pen used by President Lee.
[Interview: Donald Trump / U.S. President] – “Did you bring that pen, Mr. President? (Yes, I did.) It’s a nice pen. Are you planning to take it back?”
The pen, specially crafted by a domestic hand-made fountain pen company over two months, was gifted on the spot by President Lee, to which President Trump responded, “I am honored and will treasure it dearly.”
In addition, President Lee presented a metal turtle ship model to promote the excellence of Korean craftsmanship, a cowboy hat with ‘MAGA,’ meaning ‘Make America Great Again,’ and a custom golf club for President Trump.
[Interview: Lee Kyu-yeon / Presidential Office’s Senior Secretary for Public Communications] – “The golf putter is made by a Korean brand and was crafted as a blade-style putter, based on information that President Trump uses that type.”
President Trump responded by presenting an album of his own attack experiences with the message, “Korea, with you, will have an amazing future from higher ground,” and added, “I am always with you.”
He also gifted a ‘MAGA’ hat and a White House commemorative medal to President Lee and invited our delegation to the White House gift shop, allowing them to select souvenirs of their choice, which he then signed and delivered.
[Interview: Wi Sung-rak / Presidential Office’s National Security Chief] – “Throughout the meeting and even at the end of the luncheon, it seems he was considerate of us, as he signed all the nameplates and menus and gave them to us.”
The Presidential Office reported that the two leaders built a rapport by sharing their experiences of being attacked during their private meeting.
This is Lee Byung-joo from MBN News.
Video Coverage: Lee Woo-jin
Video Editing: Oh Gwang-hwan