Trump ‘couldn’t take his eyes off’ gold crown in South Korea, says body language expert

GYEONGJU, SOUTH KOREA: President Donald Trump visited the historic city of Gyeongju, South Korea, on Wednesday, October 29, to attend the annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit.

During his visit, he received the nation’s highest civilian honor, the Grand Order of Mugunghwa.

In addition to the medal, Trump was presented with a replica of a golden Silla-dynasty crown by President Lee Jae-myung, recognizing his efforts to strengthen US–South Korea relations and his continued influence on regional diplomacy.

The crown is described as the “largest and most lavish” among the six existing crowns from Korea’s ancient kingdom. 

Body language expert says Trump showed rare genuine emotion

The Mirror reported that “President Trump fell into a state of ecstasy, as if imagining the future, after receiving the gold crown as a gift,” citing an analysis by body language expert Judi James.

During the formal presentation, James observed an unusually restrained demeanor from Trump, whose public appearances are typically marked by assertive gestures and confident posture.

According to her, a series of subtle cues revealed a rare moment of authentic emotional engagement.

As the crown was unveiled, Trump’s shoulders lowered slightly, his gaze dropped, and his breathing appeared to slow. These understated movements, James explained, reflected a sense of “suppressed respect,” offering a brief glimpse of genuine appreciation emerging within the formal setting.

Trump’s pleasure was evident, she said. His expression broke into a “genuine smile as he thanked the presenter, placing an arm around his back in a half-hug and offering a firm, heartfelt handshake that conveyed sincere gratitude.”

“He couldn’t take his eyes off it; his body shifted gently from side to side, a gesture that indicates pleasure and excitement. It was the look of someone already imagining when and how they might wear it,” James noted.

It was further observed that this kind of response is “typical when a gift genuinely resonates with someone.” 

Trump calls South Korea’s gold crown 'truly special'

Throughout his career, President Donald Trump has received numerous state honors and ceremonial distinctions from foreign leaders, each recognizing his influence and global stature. However, the analyst noted that this particular presentation appeared to carry a deeper significance.

Trump’s remarks following the ceremony mirrored the same tone of measured respect conveyed through his body language.

At the medal-awarding ceremony held at the Gyeongju National Museum on Wednesday, October 29, Trump said, “This gold crown is truly special,” and added, “The Grand Order of Mugunghwa is absolutely beautiful. I want to wear it right now.”

President Lee Jae-myung, who presented him with the gift, described his own gesture as a “partial hug.” “This is a gesture that suppresses the desire for a full embrace but simultaneously expresses a warm heart of sincere gratitude,” she said.

Lee also described the honor as representing “the spirit of Silla, which brought peace to the Korean peninsula for the first time,” expressing hope for “a new golden age of the South Korea–US alliance.” 

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