Gyeongju: The two-day Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in the southeastern city of Gyeongju concluded with world leaders posing for a group photo wearing scarves inspired by traditional Korean clothing.
According to Yonhap News Agency, President Lee Jae Myung handed over the APEC chairmanship to Chinese President Xi Jinping, whose country will host the summit next year. The leaders of the 21 APEC member economies gathered on stage for the photo session, continuing the APEC tradition of wearing local traditional attire prepared by the host country. This year, they donned mint-colored scarves made from traditional hanbok fabric.
In the group photo, Lee stood at the center, flanked by China’s Xi Jinping on his right and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on his left. Japan’s new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi was positioned next to Subianto. Following the photo-op, Lee engaged in brief conversations and handshakes with several participants, including Xi and U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
A particularly warm interaction occurred between Lee and Takaichi, as they exchanged friendly gestures with Takaichi clasping Lee’s hand and patting his arm. Lee reciprocated with a smile and a gentle pat on her back. Lee encouraged the leaders to smile for the cameras during the session, and the event concluded with applause from the participants.