With the inauguration of Donald Trump’s second administration approaching, South Korea’s political and business circles are abuzz with efforts to strengthen connections with the Trump family.
Traditionally, key S. Korean business leaders like Kim Seung-yeon, chairman of Hanwha Group, and Ryu Jin, chairman of Poongsan Group, as well as major conglomerates such as Samsung and Hyundai Motor Group, have been noted for their ties to the United States. Recently, however, Chung Yong-jin, chairman of Shinsegae Group, S. Korea’s 11th-largest conglomerate, has come into the spotlight.
Chung arrived on Dec. 16 at Mar-a-Lago, Trump’s private resort in Florida, where he dined with Donald Trump Jr. and spent time with him. Speculation is growing that Chung may attend Trump’s inauguration on Jan. 20.
Chung and Trump Jr. first met in 2015 at a media event in S. Korea, according to sources. Their relationship began to deepen five years ago, thanks to an introduction arranged by a prominent American figure who wished to remain unnamed. This individual, not of Korean descent, facilitated a meeting between the two in New York City, which reportedly sparked a close friendship.
The pair reportedly keep in frequent contact through the encrypted messaging app Signal. Close acquaintances describe their bond as so casual that Chung and Trump Jr. refer to each other as “YJ” (Chung’s initials) and “bro.”
Born in 1968, Chung is nine years older than Trump Jr., born in 1977, but the age gap and difference in nationality have not hindered their friendship. Their shared devout Protestant faith is said to be a key factor in their connection, with both finding common ground through their beliefs.
Trump Jr. has visited S. Korea three times this year, meeting Chung on each occasion. In August, he participated as a speaker at the second Build Up Korea event held at Coex in Seoul. Organized by a conservative youth group that advocates Christian values, democracy, and free-market principles, the event highlighted Trump Jr.’s ties to S. Korea.
During his speech, Trump Jr. noted that when he visited South Korea in April, Kim Min-a, the head of Build Up Korea, had repeatedly invited him, making it difficult to decline. He added that he fondly remembered the warm hospitality he received from Kim and Chung.
Chung has also met other members of the Trump family. In January, he posted on Instagram a photo taken with Trump Jr. and his fiancée, Kimberly Guilfoyle, a former Fox News anchor and lawyer. On his Instagram post, Chung wrote in the caption that he had met Trump Jr. and enjoyed a great conversation. Meanwhile Guilfoyle has been nominated as the U.S. ambassador to Greece in Trump’s second term.
Around the same time, Chung also shared a photo with Jared Kushner, Trump’s eldest son-in-law and a former senior advisor at the White House, commenting humorously, “Met someone famous and incredibly tall.” A business insider said it’s believed Chung met Trump himself during this period. A business insider said it’s believed Chung met Trump himself during this period.
Chung has interacted with the Trump family before, including in 2019 when then-President Trump visited S. Korea. As vice chairman of Shinsegae Group at the time, Chung joined a meeting of business leaders hosted by Trump.
With Trump’s second term on the horizon, observers in S. Korea’s business world see Chung’s ties with the Trump family as increasingly significant. “In such uncertain times, many hope Chung can play a pivotal role given his close relationship with the Trump family,” one industry source said.
