Trump Receives Prestigious Korean Medal
Former United States President Donald Trump was officially awarded the Grand Order of Mugunghwa, South Korea's highest national honor, by President Lee Jae-myung on October 29, 2025. The ceremony took place in Gyeongju, where Trump was attending the APEC CEO Summit as part of his final stop on an Asia tour. This marks a significant diplomatic gesture, as Trump is the first U.S. president to receive this esteemed decoration.
Recognition for Diplomatic Efforts
The award was presented in recognition of Trump's diplomatic efforts aimed at fostering peace on the Korean Peninsula. President Lee Jae-myung's office highlighted Trump's role as a 'peacemaker' between the rival Koreas. During his first term, Trump engaged in direct talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, which Seoul credited with lowering tensions during a critical period. The South Korean presidential office stated, 'We present this medal to honor President Trump's achievements in opening the way for dialogue toward peace on the Korean Peninsula six years ago and to express our gratitude in advance for the peace and prosperity he will bring to the Korean Peninsula in the future.'
The Grand Order of Mugunghwa and Symbolic Gifts
The Grand Order of Mugunghwa is named after South Korea's national flower, a pink hibiscus also known as the Rose of Sharon. It is typically reserved for the South Korean president and their spouse, or heads of friendly nations and their spouses, or former heads of friendly nations who have made clear contributions to Korea's development and security. The medal itself is known to be crafted with significant amounts of precious metals, including 190 don (712.5 g) of gold and 110 don (412.5 g) of silver, along with rubies, amethysts, and cloisonné.
In addition to the medal, President Trump was also presented with a replica of the golden Cheonmachong crown from the ancient Silla Kingdom. This gift symbolizes the historical peace maintained on the Korean Peninsula and represents a 'new era of peaceful coexistence and common growth' that the U.S. and South Korea will pursue together. Upon receiving the honors, Trump expressed his gratitude, calling it a 'great honor' and remarking, 'I'd like to wear it right now.'
Broader Diplomatic Context
The awarding of the medal occurred during a period of ongoing trade negotiations between the U.S. and South Korea. South Korea is reportedly seeking to strengthen its relationship with the U.S. and secure concessions in trade deals, including efforts to reduce U.S. tariffs on Korean goods. The ceremony and accompanying events, including a working lunch and dinner with other Asia-Pacific leaders, underscored the importance of the U.S.-South Korea alliance.
5 Comments
Stan Marsh
South Korea knows a true leader when they see one. Great diplomacy!
Eric Cartman
What a joke. His NK talks led nowhere concrete.
Stan Marsh
This is clearly just about future trade deals, not actual peace.
Kyle Broflovski
Giving Trump such a high award acknowledges his unique approach to diplomacy, but it also glosses over the criticisms of his foreign policy. It's a complex situation with both positive and negative implications.
Stan Marsh
This is huge! A well-earned honor for a true peacemaker.