Dec. 26 (Asia Today) -- US President Donald Trump has presented South Korean President Lee Jae-myung with a symbolic "Key to the White House," returning a diplomatic gesture after receiving a replica of a Silla-era gold crown earlier this year.
Kang Hoon-sik, chief of staff at the presidential office, said on Facebook on Tuesday that Trump sent Lee one of only five specially made golden keys associated with the White House, noting it was the final remaining piece. Trump reportedly decided to send the gift after receiving a particularly meaningful present during his visit to South Korea in October.
During the October APEC summit in Gyeongju, Lee presented Trump with a model of the gold crown excavated from Cheonmachong, a royal tomb from the ancient Silla Kingdom, as part of a bilateral summit between the two leaders.
According to Kang, the golden key was delivered on Dec. 16 when South Korea's ambassador to the United States, Kang Kyung-wha, met Trump for talks. During the meeting, Trump was quoted as saying, "I really like him," referring to Lee, and highlighting what he described as a strong cooperative relationship between the two presidents.
The White House golden key is said to have been personally designed by Trump to be given only to select guests of special significance. The key presented to Lee is engraved with the U.S. presidential seal and the words "Key to the White House."
