South Korea Italy Summit 2026: AI, Chips, and a Pink Galaxy Z Flip 7
During the South Korea Italy Summit 2026 on Jan 19, President Lee Jae Myung and PM Giorgia Meloni agreed to boost cooperation in AI and chips, sealed with a pink Galaxy Z Flip 7 gift.
They shook hands over microchips and took selfies over K-pop. On January 19, 2026, President Lee Jae Myung hosted Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at Cheong Wa Dae, blending a high-stakes industrial agenda with warm cultural diplomacy.
South Korea Italy Summit 2026: Bolstering Industrial Ties
According to Yonhap News, the two leaders agreed to expand cooperation in four critical sectors: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Aerospace, Semiconductors, and Critical Minerals. The summit marks a strategic alignment between South Korea's tech prowess and Italy's manufacturing strength in the European market.
The Power of 'Jeong': A Pink Tech Surprise
During the luncheon, President Lee praised the "power of culture," noting that Meloni is an avid fan of K-pop. He expressed hope that the youth of both nations would bond through shared interests, mentioning literary figures like Nobel laureate Han Kang and Italy's Grazia Deledda.
The highlight of the event was a surprise gift for Meloni: a pink Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7. Knowing it's her favorite color, President Lee presented the phone, leading the Prime Minister to suggest an immediate selfie. Meloni also mentioned the Korean concept of "jeong" (special friendship), describing it as the hallmark of the bilateral relationship.
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