Trump’s crown gift triggers ‘trolling’ jokes after ‘no kings’ protests

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 inWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times