President Lee Jae-myung Joins G-Dragon and Jang Wonyoung as “Parking Attendant” in 2025 APEC Promotional Video

President Lee Jae-myung has made a surprise appearance alongside G-Dragon, IVE’s Jang Wonyoung, film director Park Chan-wook, former football star Park Ji-sung, celebrity chef Ahn Sung-jae, and DJ Peggy Gou in the official promotional video for the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit. The cameo-driven production has sparked global buzz, signaling both cultural confidence and diplomatic messaging from Korea.

Korea Hosts APEC for the Third Time: Strategic Use of Culture and Diplomacy

APEC is the largest economic cooperation platform for the Asia-Pacific, bringing together 21 member economies. Korea joined in 1991 and successfully hosted the summit in Busan in 2005. The 2025 meeting, set in Gyeongju, marks Korea’s second time hosting the summit after 20 years, with “Post-Pandemic Recovery and Cooperation” as its core theme.

To maximize global attention, the government has combined cultural content with the diplomatic significance of the summit. The new promotional video is the centerpiece of this dual strategy.

Directed by Shin Woo-seok: A Bold Stage with the President at the Center

The film was directed by Shin Woo-seok, acclaimed for his innovative work on NewJeans’ Ditto and OMG. Produced by Dolphin Kidnappers, a Kakao Entertainment subsidiary, the video blends tradition and modernity with symbolic storytelling.

The narrative begins in a traditional hanok restaurant setting, transitions to Gyeongju’s cultural landmarks, and culminates in a cinematic sequence of aircraft converging on Korea. President Lee appears as an aircraft marshaller, guiding planes into formation behind a Korean aircraft—an allegory for leadership, order, and drawing the world’s attention to Korea.

G-Dragon, Park Chan-wook, and More: The Power of a Star-Studded Cast

While the President’s cameo is eye-catching, the true weight of the video comes from its all-star lineup. G-Dragon serves as APEC’s promotional ambassador, while director Park Chan-wook, soccer legend Park Ji-sung, Chef Ahn Sung-jae, IVE’s Jang Wonyoung, and DJ Peggy Gou lend their global influence.

Notably, all celebrities participated without fees. G-Dragon filmed immediately after returning from a New York concert, only to fly out again to Las Vegas. Park Chan-wook paused his film promotion schedule, while Jang Wonyoung, Park Ji-sung, and Peggy Gou rearranged tight commitments to join the shoot. Director Shin remarked, “To effectively deliver the message, we needed figures with strong global recognition. I’m grateful they agreed to join.”

Social Media Amplification: From the President Himself

Shortly after the video’s release, President Lee shared behind-the-scenes photos on Instagram with the caption: “Now officially a #ParkingAttendant. Director, did I get this right?” He tagged all the participating stars (#GD, #ParkChanwook, #ParkJisung, #PeggyGou, #AhnSungjae, #JangWonyoung, #LeeJaemyung), further fueling the viral momentum.

This direct, lighthearted engagement contrasts with traditional, formal diplomatic messaging. Analysts view it as a fresh form of “K-Culture diplomacy” that bridges statecraft and pop culture.

A Turning Point for “K-Culture Diplomacy” at APEC 2025

The 2025 APEC Summit in Gyeongju is shaping up to be more than just a diplomatic gathering. It represents Korea’s ambition to fuse culture, technology, and economic leadership under the banner of soft power.

By featuring both the President and globally recognized cultural icons, the promotional video signals Korea’s intent not merely to host but to lead as a cultural and diplomatic powerhouse. It conveys a message that transcends “the world gathers in Gyeongju” to declare: “The world gathers in Korea through K-Culture.”

By Ju-baek Shin /jbshin@kmjournal.net