A Global Summit Meets K-Pop Stardom
What do G-DRAGON, IVE’s Wonyoung, director Park Chanwook, and President Lee Jaemyung have in common? They’ve all teamed up—without pay—for a visually stunning promo video announcing that the upcoming APEC Leaders’ Meeting will be hosted in Gyeongju, South Korea.
The video dropped on June 2 across domestic and international platforms—broadcast TV, cable, and YouTube. Produced by the offbeat creatives at Dolphin Kidnappers (yes, that’s their real name), the film is turning heads for its unexpected cast and rich storytelling.
A Traditional Korean Setting With a Twist
Directed by Shin Wooseok, best known for viral, genre-blurring content, the short video unfolds in a hanok-style restaurant—a nod to Korea’s heritage. Inside, we see celebrity cameos from all walks of Korean life: legendary footballer Park Jisung, star chef Ahn Seongjae, global DJ Peggy Gou, and of course, K-pop juggernauts like G-DRAGON and Wonyoung.
The final scene? A metaphorical mic drop. World leaders are represented as pilots aligning their planes beside a Korean aircraft, with President Lee Jaemyung stepping in as the marshal guiding them—all symbolic of international unity landing in Korea.
No Budget, All Heart
Incredibly, all of this was done pro bono. “We weren’t after glitz or literal explanations,” said director Shin. “We wanted to stir pride and anticipation while telling a story that could land emotionally and globally.”
The casting wasn’t easy. G-DRAGON flew in straight from a New York concert before heading to Las Vegas. Park Chanwook squeezed in a cameo between film promotions. But the crew made it work. “They all rearranged their crazy schedules just to be part of this,” Shin shared.
Why This Matters
South Korea isn’t just hosting a major economic summit—it’s showcasing Hallyu power. By blending politics, pop culture, and heritage, the APEC campaign redefines how global diplomacy can look… and feel. And it’s no exaggeration to say this could be the most star-studded summit announcement ever.
So, who says government promos have to be boring?
Check out the full video if you haven’t already—you may just spot your bias serving up bibimbap in a thousand-year-old city.
