Kang Hoon-sik, chief of staff for South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, announced on 24/12 that Lee was the fifth person to receive a golden White House key from President Donald Trump. This gesture reciprocated President Lee's earlier gift to Trump of a replica Cheonmachong golden crown.

The White House key gifted by Trump to the South Korean President. Photo: Korea Times

The golden key, designed by President Trump himself, comes in a wooden box featuring a White House replica and the inscription "white house key". This gift is given by the American leader to close associates, signifying they are welcome at the White House at any time.

Trump previously presented White House keys to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso, billionaire Elon Musk, and footballer Cristiano Ronaldo.

Jared Kushner, President Trump's son-in-law, once spoke about the key's significance. He recalled that when Trump presented the first key to Prime Minister Netanyahu in 2020, he added: "Even after I leave office, just bring this key to the main gate of the White House, and they will let you in".

The South Korean President's chief of staff expressed hope that this meaningful gift would symbolize the strong relationship between Seoul and Washington.

Ngoc Anh (According to Korea Times, Chosun Daily, Yonhap)