GYEONGJU, Oct 29 (Yonhap/APP): U.S. President Donald Trump landed in South Korea on Wednesday to a warm reception and a ceremonial 21-gun salute as the country welcomed him for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) gathering.
Trump was on board Air Force One as it flew from Japan to South Korea, escorted by two F-16 fighter jets. He arrived an hour later than scheduled for the last leg of his Asia tour due to a delayed departure from Tokyo.
Clad in a light blue tie and blue suit, Trump stepped off Air Force One at Gimhae International Airport at 11:32 a.m. in the southeastern city of Busan, with his right fist in the air.
Trump, who is on a state visit, was welcomed by Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and Deputy Minister for Protocol Affairs Kim Tae-jin after he descended the stairs and stepped on the red carpet. He briefly exchanged greetings with Kim before shaking hands with and starting a conversation with Cho.
A 21-gun salute was fired in the highest show of respect to welcome Trump as the South Korean Air Force Band began playing “Y.M.C.A.,” a 1970s hit song by an American disco group that was frequently played at Trump campaign rallies.
Trump also shook hands with Kang Kyung-wha, South Korea’s ambassador to the U.S. and former foreign minister under Trump’s first administration, as well as Hong Ji-pyo, director-general for North American affairs, and Kevin Kim, the acting U.S. ambassador to South Korea. Trump patted Kim on the shoulder a few times while speaking with him.
Kim was involved in coordinating U.S.-North Korea engagement during Trump’s first term and recently succeeded Joseph Yun, who served as acting ambassador under former President Joe Biden’s administration.
Trump and Cho were seen continuing their conversation while walking toward Marine One, the U.S. presidential helicopter, that will take him to Gyeongju, where Trump is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with President Lee Jae Myung.