Korean Stars Steal Show at APEC 2025: Enlisted Soldier Cha Eun-woo Hosts, G-Dragon Performs
Military serviceman Cha Eun-woo and K-pop icon G-Dragon brought Korean culture to the world stage at a high-profile diplomatic dinner in Gyeongju on October 31, 2025.
Soldier-Turned-MC Makes History
In an unusual move, Private First Class Cha Eun-woo of ASTRO was pulled from military duty to host the APEC Economic Leaders' Welcome Dinner. The singer-actor, who enlisted in July 2025 with the Ministry of National Defense's Support Unit, emceed for approximately 400 guests including world leaders from 21 economies.
"I never imagined I would stand here as the host," Cha Eun-woo said on stage at the Lahan Select Hotel's Grand Ballroom.
The Defense Ministry approved his participation after the APEC planning committee requested his appearance, citing national interest and civil-military cooperation. Videos of him arriving in uniform went viral online, with fans praising the rare honor for an active-duty soldier.
G-Dragon's Traditional Touch
G-Dragon, APEC 2025's official promotional ambassador, performed three songs including "Power," "Drama," and "Home Sweet Home" for the assembled dignitaries.
The BIGBANG leader wore a modern fedora with pearl accents during his "Power" performance-a contemporary take on the traditional Korean gat hat that blends heritage with modern style.
World leaders including Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney were spotted filming the performance on their phones, clearly enjoying the show.
Chef Behind the Menu
Korean-American chef Edward Lee, who gained fame as runner-up on Netflix's "Culinary Class Wars," designed the fusion menu in collaboration with Lotte Hotel.
The dinner featured Korean dishes made with local Gyeongju ingredients: namul bibimbap, braised short ribs, and desserts including pine nut pie and doenjang caramel rice cake.
Lee, who previously served as guest chef for a 2023 White House state dinner, said he wanted to show that Korean food "can stay traditional and beautiful, but it can also be global."
K-Culture Diplomacy in Action
The event also featured BTS leader RM, who became the first K-pop artist to deliver a keynote speech at the APEC CEO Summit on October 29, discussing Korean culture's soft power.
Choreographers Honey J and Leejung joined the cultural performances, completing a lineup that demonstrated Korea's strategic use of entertainment as diplomatic currency.
President Lee Jae Myung has emphasized South Korea's role as a "bridge" between East and West, and the evening's entertainment underscored that vision with a blend of tradition, innovation, and global appeal.
The 2025 APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting ran from October 31 to November 1 in Gyeongju, marking South Korea's second time hosting since 2005.
