The 32nd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit wrapped up in Gyeongju, highlighting South Korea’s notable achievements in diplomacy, economic leadership, technological innovation, and cultural influence.
After hosting APEC for the first time in two decades, South Korea promoted the theme “Connect, Innovate, prosper” by introducing a fresh cooperative framework that blends inclusive economic growth, technological advancement, and cultural engagement.
Approval to build nuclear-powered submarines
One of the most symbolic achievements was US President Donald Trump’s announcement granting South Korea approval to build nuclear-powered submarines.
The decision marks a turning point in strengthening the country’s maritime defense capability and consolidating its strategic autonomy in defense technology. With this approval, South Korea is now able to advance nuclear propulsion research and fuel supply negotiations—paving the way for a stronger role in the Indo-Pacific maritime security network.
Major NVIDIA AI chip supply agreement
NVIDIA signed a deal with the Korean government and leading firms like Samsung, SK Group, and Hyundai Motor to provide more than 260,000 next-generation Blackwell AI chips.
The deal is considered a key milestone in meeting demand for the government-led National AI Computing Center and the private-sector “AI Factory” initiative.
Experts described it as the largest GPU supply project ever concluded in Asia, expecting it to accelerate Korea’s rise as a global AI powerhouse.
The government stated that the deal secures stable access to high-performance computing resources across public and private sectors, establishing a solid foundation for South Korea’s goal of becoming one of the world’s top three AI leaders.
Diplomatic achievements
During the summit, South Korea recorded notable progress in diplomacy with three key partners—China, the United States, and Japan.
In the Korea–China summit, both sides agreed to resume working-level and exchange channels, officially signaling the restoration of bilateral cooperation in trade, culture, and people-to-people exchanges.
The Korea–U.S. summit reaffirmed mutual commitment to strengthen cooperation in supply-chain stability, advanced technologies, and economic security. Both leaders agreed to expand the alliance beyond military domains to include economic and digital security dimensions.
Relations with Japan also entered a phase of recovery and forward-looking cooperation.
Seoul and Tokyo agreed to normalize practical cooperation in security, economy, and human exchanges, while reopening working-level talks to strengthen future-oriented relations.
These developments restored a balance in Northeast Asian diplomacy and reaffirmed Korea’s role as a stabilizing mediator in the region.
Structural reform and supply-chain resilience
In the economic sphere, APEC members adopted structural reform and supply-chain resilience as key pillars for regional growth.
South Korea played an active role in shaping these discussions, proposing digital transformation support for small and medium enterprises and trade resilience measures—many of which were reflected in the joint ministerial statement. The agreement is seen as a concrete step to prevent future global crises, such as pandemics or geopolitical disruptions, from paralyzing regional trade networks.
Expanding cultural diplomacy and K-Culture influence
South Korea also made notable strides in cultural diplomacy, showcasing the power of K-Culture through K-POP, film, drama, and beauty industries.
BTS member RM delivered a keynote speech at the APEC CEO Summit, emphasizing “the value of borderless cultural exchange and creativity,” which drew enthusiastic attention from delegates. The “K-Culture Showcase” event held during the summit received strong interest from visiting leaders and delegations, underscoring culture’s potential as a catalyst for innovation and mutual understanding across the Asia-Pacific region.
Vision for inclusive and sustainable cooperation
The APEC 2025 Gyeongju Declaration outlines a vision centered on digital innovation, clean energy, and demographic adaptation, aiming for inclusive and sustainable growth. Through this summit, South Korea presented an integrated cooperation model combining diplomacy, technology, and culture—reinforcing its strategic presence in the Indo-Pacific region.
Analysts praised the summit as a milestone that demonstrated Korea’s ability to exercise “smart power,” combining technological capacity, cultural influence, and diplomatic engagement. With the adoption of the Gyeongju Declaration, South Korea has positioned itself as a key driver in addressing the region’s challenges of digital transformation, demographic shifts, and climate adaptation.
The summit reaffirmed Korea’s readiness to translate its vision of “connection and innovation for shared prosperity” into concrete global leadership. (This article draws upon publicly available statements, official Korean government materials, and verified reports from Reuters, APEC, AP, Yonhap, and Asia News Network.)
