G-Dragon Transforms into a Pilot? APEC 2025 KOREA Promotional Video Released

Ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit to be held in Gyeongju in October 2025, the official promotional video titled ‘The World Heads to Gyeongju’ was released two days ago. The star of the promotional video is G-Dragon (GD), who was appointed as the official ambassador for APEC this year, transforming into a pilot and drawing domestic and international attention. The direction is by Shin Woo-seok, the director of ‘Dolphin Kidnapping Group’.

The video starts at a fusion Korean restaurant with a hanok exterior, symbolically conveying the message that 'the world gathers in Gyeongju' through scenes of representatives from APEC member countries coming together. In this process, G-Dragon appears in a pilot uniform, and various stars representing K-culture, including film director Park Chan-wook, former soccer player Park Ji-sung, chef Ahn Seong-jae, DJ Peggy Goo, and IVE's Jang Won-young, also make cameo appearances, receiving praise for the unprecedented casting.

In particular, President Lee Jae-myung made a surprise appearance in an aircraft marshaller outfit, capturing attention as he waved a guiding baton at the plane piloted by GD. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained, “This metaphorically expresses South Korea's return to the international community in an orderly manner after overcoming chaos.”

This promotional video received only minimal funding, and both the director and participants took part without any guarantees, adding significance to the national event. The video has been broadcast simultaneously domestically and internationally through various channels, including TV, outdoor billboards, and YouTube, since the 2nd. Netizens have responded with enthusiasm, saying, “Impressive direction and fresh casting,” and “The president's unexpected cameo.”