Global searches surge for APEC as world leaders arrive at Gyeongju

Screen captured from Google Trends on Oct 28 2025 A search interest score of 100 means the country with the highest share of searches for the term — Screen captured from Google Trends on Oct. 28, 2025. A search interest score of 100 means the country with the highest share of searches for the term.

SEOUL, October 28 (AJP) - South Korea and its ancient city Gyeongju have grabbed global attention as they ready to receive government and corporate leaders across Asia-Pacific region and host the two superpowers locked in high-stake trade confrontation, while speculation swirl about an uninvited featuring by the North Korean leader.

This year's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit has dominated news cycles, pulling headlines ranging from Japan's new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to BTS RM and rare-earth elements – an unusually broad mix of politics, celebrity culture, and industrial strategy converging on a single event.

According to Google Trends on Tuesday, searches for "Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation" have surged in the days leading up to the summit week. South Korea saw the highest search interest, followed by China, Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan.

Global attention to APEC has climbed steadily in recent weeks, reaching its highest point this week. The previous peak came on Oct. 2, coinciding with the release of a promotional teaser for the APEC 2025 Korea summit, which featured South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, G-Dragon, Park Ji-sung and other Korean superstars. The uptick also followed remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump, who reaffirmed plans to meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping at the summit.

Screen captured from Google Trends on Oct 28 2025 — Screen captured from Google Trends on Oct. 28, 2025.

Search interest in RM also jumped after it was announced that the BTS leader will deliver a keynote speech at the APEC CEO Summit. Top associated search terms such as "2025," "APEC South Korea 2025," "Gyeongju," and "Donald Trump" underscore growing attention to this year's high-profile participants.

Offline, the host country and city are busy making the final checks on the packed schedule of bilateral meetings.

Lee is set to meet Trump on Wednesday, Takaichi on Thursday and Xi on Saturday. Trump and Xi will also hold a separate U.S.-China summit on Thursday, expected to dominate the week's headlines.

The Lee-Trump summit will focus on the long-delayed $350 billion investment and tariff negotiations, defense industry cooperation and semiconductor supply chains, along with extended deterrence against North Korea.

Lee's meeting with Takaichi will focus on semiconductor cooperation, export controls and historical disputes, while the two countries navigate an ongoing diplomatic realignment.

During Lee's first meeting with Xi — also Xi's first visit to South Korea in 11 years — both leaders are expected to explore ways to recalibrate their relationship amid intensifying U.S.-China rivalry.

Meanwhile, the Trump-Xi meeting will mark the first face-to-face encounter since Trump's return to the White House. Officials have signaled discussions on tariff adjustments and export controls on rare-earth materials, as both sides seek to ease tensions while protecting strategic interests.

Beyond the four key summits among South Korea, the U.S., China and Japan, most of the remaining 21 APEC economies will send top-level delegations to Gyeongju.

Confirmed participants include Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. Chilean President Gabriel Boric will be the only Latin American leader attending in person.

Some economies are sending senior representatives instead of heads of state.

Russia will be represented by Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk, while Taiwan plans to dispatch former Vice Premier Lin Hsin-i. Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee and cabinet-level officials from Peru and Mexico will also join the sessions. Special guests include UAE Crown Prince Khalid bin Mohamed Al Nahyan and IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva.

Cheon Soram cheons@ajupress.com