K-Pop Star G-Dragon to Perform at APEC Summit 2025 Welcome Dinner in Gyeongju
K-pop icon G-Dragon will make history on October 31 as the only Korean artist performing at the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting welcome dinner in Gyeongju. The exclusive event at Lahan Select Hotel will host leaders from 21 member economies.
Ambassador Role Leads to Historic Stage
Since his July appointment as APEC 2025's promotional ambassador, G-Dragon has actively promoted the summit. His promotional video has reached over 17 million views, featuring other Korean celebrities including director Park Chan-wook, footballer Park Ji-sung, and IVE's Jang Won-young.
City officials confirmed the private performance will take place at the hotel's grand ballroom during the leaders' gala dinner, dispelling earlier rumors of a public concert at Cheomseongdae Observatory.
Balancing World Tour and Diplomatic Duties
The performance comes during G-Dragon's "Übermensch" world tour-his first in eight years. Following the APEC dinner, he'll head to Taipei for concerts on November 1-2, with additional shows scheduled in Hanoi before concluding in Seoul this December.
The tour has generated $9.3 million from U.S. shows alone, with an estimated $36 million economic impact in South Korea. His dedication extended to the APEC promotional campaign, where he traveled between Korea and the U.S. during his tour to complete filming.
Cultural Diplomacy Through Music
The APEC organizing committee selected G-Dragon for his global reach and ability to represent Korean culture on the international stage. His performance before world leaders from the U.S., China, Japan, and 18 other economies underscores K-pop's growing role in cultural diplomacy.
The APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting runs October 31-November 1 in Gyeongju, marking South Korea's second time hosting in 20 years.
