[OSENWORLD] South Korea has pulled together an all-star cast of cultural icons for the official promotional video of the 2025 APEC Summit, set to be held in Gyeongju this November.
Unveiled simultaneously across TV, cable, and YouTube on Oct. 2, the short film brings an unprecedented mix of figures — from President Lee Jae-myung and APEC goodwill ambassador G-Dragon to filmmaker Park Chan-wook, soccer legend Park Ji-sung, star chef Ahn Sung-jae, IVE’s Jang Wonyoung, and global DJ Peggy Gou.
Directed by Shin Woo-seok and the creative collective Dolphin Kidnappers, the video breaks away from the standard mold of state-event promotions. Shot inside a hanok-style restaurant, the story weaves playful cameos into a narrative that eventually opens up to reveal Gyeongju — a symbolic nod to Korea’s tradition and modern creativity coexisting. The finale sees pilots from APEC member nations seated together as President Lee makes an unexpected cameo as a marshaller, guiding aircraft tails into formation behind Korea’s flag.
“We didn’t want authority, we wanted symbolism,” Shin explained. “By staging President Lee as a marshaller instead of a statesman, we could visually express ‘the world gathering in Gyeongju’ without spelling it out.”
The production further drew attention for its cast list — not only because of its scale, but also because every participant and the creative team waived appearance fees, underlining the national significance of the event.
Despite their hectic schedules, the stars cleared time to participate. G-Dragon flew in from New York just after a performance before heading to Las Vegas; Park Chan-wook rearranged his international promo tour; and Jang Wonyoung, Park Ji-sung, Ahn Sung-jae, and Peggy Gou all made cameo appearances to highlight Korea’s cultural pride.
Shin noted: “The goal wasn’t just to inform people about APEC, but also to spark pride. We wanted viewers to feel that Korea’s culture and creativity are at the heart of the global conversation.”
The 2025 APEC Summit in Gyeongju is expected to gather world leaders under the theme of inclusivity and innovation, with Korea placing cultural identity front and center in its global message.
/k_inside@osen.co.kr
Courtesy of APEC Organizing Committee
