[News Space=Reporter seungwon lee] U.S. President Donald Trump presented South Korean President Lee Jae-myung with the last of only five "White House Gold Keys," symbolically emphasizing the special alliance between the two countries.

The gift was presented directly to South Korean Ambassador to the United States Kang Kyung-wha at a credentials ceremony held at the White House on December 16, and was in return for the replica of the Cheonmachong Tomb gold crown and the Grand Mugunghwa Medal presented to President Trump by President Lee Jae-myung during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in October.

Beneficiaries of exclusive diplomatic gifts

Only five gold keys crafted by President Trump exist, and they are considered symbolic diplomatic gifts recognizing the president's special friendship and cooperative relationship. Past recipients include Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who received the key at the 2020 Abraham Accords signing ceremony; former Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso; Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who received the key upon completing his role as Minister of Government Efficiency in May 2025; and soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo.

Trump reportedly joked to Netanyahu, saying, "If you show this key at the front door of the White House, you'll be able to enter even after I leave office," a joke he repeated to other recipients.

The design and meaning of the golden key

Designed by President Trump himself, this large brass key is engraved with the presidential seal and the words "Key to the White House." The wooden case is engraved with an image of the presidential residence, a nod to the president's personal tastes and the White House remodeling project.

President Trump is putting a lot of emphasis on both exterior and interior design, refurbishing the White House interior with gold accents and Mar-a-Lago style, particularly by replacing the Rose Garden with a magnificent stone patio and installing a new ballroom and flagpole.

The Future of the ROK-US Alliance

Presidential Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik expressed hope that this gift would serve as a "symbol of the strong ROK-US relationship" and stated that the administration would "continue to build a robust future for the ROK-US alliance." During this summit, the ROK-US leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to the denuclearization of North Korea and peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, pledging close cooperation and communication in the future.