South Korea Extends APEC Invitations to Global Leaders, Including Trump and Xi

Advanced | July 20, 2025

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Countdown to Gyeongju: APEC 2025 Takes Shape

Invitations to Global Leaders

South Korea has officially begun sending out invitations to world leaders for the highly anticipated Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit. This marks the beginning of the South Korea APEC 2025 Summit preparations under the leadership of President Lee Jae-myung. With approximately 100 days remaining until the event kicks off, prominent figures such as U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping have received their formal invites. Leaders will gather in the historic city of Gyeongju from October 31 to November 1, 2025, making this summit a significant diplomatic milestone for the nation.

A Second-Time Host with a Forward-Looking Theme

This year’s APEC gathering represents the second time South Korea has taken on the mantle of host, following its successful stewardship of the forum in 2005. The 2025 summit operates under the timely theme of “Building a Sustainable Tomorrow.” The 21 member economies—including major global players like the United States, China, Japan, Russia, and Taiwan—plan to focus their discussions on enhancing regional connectivity, driving digital innovation, and cultivating shared prosperity across the Asia-Pacific region.

Key Players and Preparations

Who’s Coming—and Who Might Be

Among the key developments, reports indicate that Chinese President Xi Jinping is planning to attend the high-profile summit. The attendance of U.S. President Donald Trump, however, remains undecided, adding an element of anticipation to the proceedings. Intriguingly, South Korea is also weighing the possibility of extending an invitation to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. It is important to note that North Korea is not an APEC member, and any such invitation would be a complex diplomatic undertaking, handled separately by the foreign and unification ministries.

Gearing Up for a Major Event

Preparations for this large-scale international event are well underway under the administration of President Lee Jae-myung. President Lee Jae-myung’s administration formed a dedicated presidential task force and a robust preparation committee to ensure every aspect of the summit runs smoothly. Officials selected the Gyeongju Hwabaek International Convention Center as the primary venue, preparing it to welcome a diverse array of participants. Organizers anticipate approximately 4,000 government delegates and an equal number of business representatives, with total attendees potentially swelling to between 20,000 and 30,000 people, including support staff and media.

Events Supporting the South Korea APEC 2025 Summit

Beyond the main summit, a series of crucial economic side events are also on the agenda. The agenda includes the important APEC Business Advisory Council meetings and the prominent APEC CEO Summit, where SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won will serve as chair.These parallel events underscore the summit’s holistic approach to fostering economic dialogue and collaboration, bringing together public and private sector leaders to address pressing regional challenges and opportunities.

Vocabulary

extended (verb): Offered or given.
- Example: “South Korea has extended invitations to world leaders for the APEC summit.”
milestone (noun): A significant stage or event in the development of something.
- Example: “This summit marks a significant milestone in regional cooperation.”
forum (noun): A meeting or medium where ideas and views on a particular issue can be exchanged.
- Example: “APEC serves as a crucial forum for economic dialogue in the Asia-Pacific.”
comprises (verb): Consists of; is made up of.
- Example: “The forum comprises 21 member economies from across the region.”
undecided (adjective): Not yet certain or settled.
- Example: “U.S. President Donald Trump’s attendance remains undecided.”
unification (noun): The process of being united or made into a whole.
- Example: “The foreign and unification ministries would handle a separate invitation to North Korea.”
task force (noun): A unit or formation organized for a special mission or to solve a problem.
- Example: “The president has formed a presidential task force to ensure a successful event.”
anticipates (verb): Regards as probable; expects or predicts.
- Example: “South Korea anticipates around 4,000 government delegates will attend.”
delegates (noun): People authorized to represent others, especially at a conference or convention.
- Example: “Thousands of delegates will participate in the APEC summit.”
scheduled (verb): Arranged or planned for a specific time.
- Example: “Key economic side events are also scheduled alongside the main summit.”

Discussion Questions (About the Article)

What is the main purpose of South Korea hosting the APEC summit in Gyeongju?
How does the article highlight the diplomatic challenges or nuances related to leader attendance?
Beyond the main summit, what other significant events are planned, and what do they signify?
In what ways do the preparations described demonstrate the scale and importance of this event?
How might the theme “Building a Sustainable Tomorrow” guide the discussions at the summit?

Discussion Questions (About the Topic)

Why do international summits like APEC matter for global economic cooperation?
What are some potential challenges South Korea might face in hosting such a large-scale international event?
How might the attendance or non-attendance of leaders like Trump and Xi impact the summit’s outcomes?
What role do you think digital innovation and regional connectivity play in achieving “shared prosperity”?
If you were a leader attending APEC, what would be your top priority for discussion?

Related Idiom

Lay the groundwork

Meaning: To do the basic work in preparation for something; to create the conditions necessary for something to happen or succeed.
Example: “The preparation committee is busy laying the groundwork for a successful APEC summit, ensuring all logistics are in place.”

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This article was inspired by: July 16, 2025 – Yonhap News Agency