Donald Trump Jr., the eldest son of U.S. President Donald Trump, is scheduled to visit South Korea next week to meet with prominent figures in the country’s business community, industry sources said on Apr. 23. The trip marks his first visit to South Korea since his father assumed the presidency.
Trump Jr. is reportedly making the visit at the invitation of Chung Yong-jin, chairman of Shinsegae Group. According to sources, Chung extended the invitation at the request of domestic business leaders who hoped he could help facilitate communication with the Trump administration. Chung is said to have met Trump Jr. in the United States two weeks ago to deliver the invitation in person.
The two first crossed paths in 2015 at a media event in Seoul and have since developed a close personal relationship. They reportedly connected over their shared Christian faith and have maintained a strong friendship over the past six years. During Trump Jr.’s previous visit to South Korea in August, Chung is said to have spent several days with him. At the time, Trump Jr. remarked, “When I was in Korea, I’ll never forget how YJ [Chung Yong-jin] welcomed me.”
In December of last year, Chung also met with Donald Trump, who was president-elect at the time. Chung became the first South Korean figure to meet with him following his election victory and later attended the U.S. presidential inauguration in January. During that visit, Chung and his wife took commemorative photos with Trump Jr.
Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Chung Eui-sun is also said to have a connection with Trump Jr. The two reportedly met at the PGA Tour’s Genesis Invitational Pro-Am event held at Torrey Pines Golf Course in San Diego this February. While Chung Eui-sun did not participate in the event, he is said to have walked the course with Trump Jr., engaging in a conversation that lasted over two hours.
