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 Jr. attends Seoul concert, highlighting ties with Shinsegae chairman
Donald Trump Jr., eldest son of U.S. President Donald Trump, right, leaves Lotte Concert Hall in Songpa District, Seoul, Wednesday evening, after attending a concert marking the release of the debut album by flutist Han Jee-hee, wife of Shinsegae Group Chairman Chung Yong-jin. Yonhap
By Jane Han
Donald Trump Jr. attended a Seoul concert Wednesday by flutist Han Jee-hee, the wife of Shinsegae Group Chairman Chung Yong-jin, underscoring his close relationship with one of Korea’s most prominent retail executives.
Trump Jr., the eldest son of U.S. President Donald Trump, was seen at Lotte Concert Hall in Jamsil, southern Seoul, for Han’s Deutsche Grammophon album release concert, which began at 7 p.m.
Reports say Chung waited in the lobby before the performance and greeted Trump Jr. and his partner, Bettina Anderson, with handshakes and brief embraces. Chung’s side then handed Trump Jr. a red “Make America Great Again” hat bearing the Trump name, which Trump Jr. signed and returned.
The appearance drew attention because of the close ties between Trump Jr. and Chung. The Shinsegae chairman and his wife attended President Trump’s inauguration earlier last year and were later invited to Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida.
The concert was also attended by many high-profile figures from business, entertainment and sports, including Shinsegae Chairwoman Chung Yoo-kyung, former major leaguer Choo Shin-soo and chef Sohn Jong-won.