Jane Han is the North America editor for The Korea Times. Based in Seattle, she has covered business, culture and social issues across the United States for over 15 years. She previously worked at The Boston Globe.
Trump’s crown gift triggers ‘trolling’ jokes after ‘no kings’ protests
U.S. President Donald Trump shakes hands with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung as he receives a gift of a gold crown and an award of the Grand Order of Mugunghwa, not seen, during a high honor ceremony at the Gyeongju National Museum in Gyeongju, South Korea, Wednesday. AP-Yonhap
By Jane Han
SEATTLE — When South Korea’s President Lee Jae Myung placed a gleaming gold crown before U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday, the moment was meant to symbolize friendship and shared prosperity. Instead, it quickly set off a wave of jokes and pointed commentary across social media, where critics saw the gesture as something more than ceremonial.
The ceremony in Gyeongju, held during Trump’s state visit for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, featured the presentation of the Grand Order of Mugunghwa, South Korea’s highest civilian honor, along with a replica crown modeled after one from the ancient Silla Kingdom.
Officials in Seoul described the gesture as a tribute to “a new golden age” in the Korea–U.S. alliance and a nod to the historic ties between the two nations.
But online, the symbolism was met with skepticism and satire.
The gift came just after a wave of “No Kings” protests held recently in cities across the United States, where thousands of demonstrators denounced what they called Trump’s increasingly authoritarian rhetoric. Marchers in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and Atlanta carried signs reading “No Kings in America” and “Democracy, Not Dynasty,” framing the rallies as a warning against any return to unchecked presidential power.
“The timing couldn’t be funnier,” one Reddit user wrote. “You give a man who just said he’s not a king an actual crown. That’s comedy gold.” Another added, “They are simultaneously appeasing him while trolling him. It’s a masterful play, honestly.” A third commenter chimed in, “Koreans are extremely funny. This is S-tier trolling and I’m absolutely here for it.”
British outlet Tyla described the moment as “expert trolling,” while similar takes circulated widely on X. “I have a feeling South Korea is trolling Trump,” one user wrote. Another added, “Brilliant. That gift appeals to Trump’s vanity but subtly mocks him and his royal ambitions at the same time.”
Some expressed curiosity over how Koreans see this extravagant welcome and gifting.
“South Korea is still trying to brown-nose after the Hyundai incident?” one person asked, while another wondered, “I honestly wonder how this is being received in Korea.”
The crown, modeled after the Silla-era Cheonmachong relic and crafted by cultural heritage specialist Kim Jin-bae, was designed to represent leadership and dignity. According to the presidential office, the piece draws inspiration from the Silla Kingdom’s (57 B.C.-935 A.D.) legacy of peace and prosperity and symbolizes a new era of coexistence and shared growth between South Korea and the United States.