SEOUL, Oct 2 — South Korea is rolling out the red carpet for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) summit in Gyeongju at the end of the month — and it’s doing so with a star-studded video campaign led by none other than G-Dragon.
The K-pop icon, who also serves as South Korea’s honorary ambassador for the event, takes centre stage in the new promotional film for the leaders’ meeting, set for October 31 to November 1.
Directed by award-winning filmmaker Shin Woo-seok, the short blends cultural flair with celebrity sparkle, showcasing what organisers are calling “Super Gap K-Apec.”
G-Dragon is joined by an impressive line-up: auteur Park Chan-wook, football legend Park Ji-sung, IVE’s rising star Jang Won-young, chef Ahn Sung-jae and DJ-producer Peggy Gou.
Football legend Park Ji-sung joins a star-studded cast promoting South Korea ahead of the Apec Summit.
Together, they embody the diversity of South Korea’s cultural exports — from cinema and sports to food and music.
The video opens in a traditional hanok with a modern twist — a fusion restaurant where Apec members gather — underscoring the message: “The world comes together in Gyeongju.”
And just when viewers think they’ve spotted all the cameos, President Lee Jae-myung pops up for two seconds as an aircraft marshaller, waving a light wand on the runway.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained, “This scene metaphorically expresses South Korea’s overcoming of chaos and orderly return to the international community.”
South Korea President Lee Jae-myung makes a surprise cameo as an aircraft marshaller in the Apec video.
The ministry revealed that the film was made with minimal production costs, with all cast and crew waiving fees in a show of support for the national event.
The 2025 Apec Summit in Gyeongju will bring together leaders from 21 Asia-Pacific economies, including Malaysia, to discuss trade, investment, and regional cooperation.
Organisers expect high-level talks on economic recovery, digital innovation, and sustainable growth, alongside cultural exchanges that showcase South Korea’s heritage and creative industries.
