Diplomacy of gifts: Inside South Korean President Lee Jae Myung’s symbolic summit strategy


US President Donald Trump (left) was given a replica of a thousand-year-old crown by South Korean President Lee Jae Myung during a high-honour presentation ceremony. -- PHOTO: AFP

SEOUL (The Korea Herald/ANN): Most people won’t turn down a gift and a well-chosen present has the quiet power to warm a room, soften the tone and open the heart.

In diplomacy, where every gesture can tilt the balance of trust, gifts do more than mark an occasion – they carry meaning, signal intention and, at times, attempt persuasion.

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Asean News Headlines at 10pm on Thursday (Feb 12, 2026)

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