During the state dinner concluding their January 5, 2026, summit in Beijing—as covered in prior reporting—South Korean President Lee Jae-myung took a viral selfie with Chinese President Xi Jinping using a Xiaomi smartphone gifted by Xi at last year's APEC summit. The lighthearted moment symbolized warming ties but drew Korean backlash for eclipsing national champion Samsung.
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung had aides activate the Xiaomi smartphone, gifted by Chinese President Xi Jinping during their first meeting at the APEC summit in South Korea on November 1, 2025, ahead of his state visit.
Following 90-minute summit talks on Korean Peninsula peace, economic MOUs, Yellow Sea issues, and cultural exchanges, and during Monday's state dinner, Lee proposed and captured selfies with Xi using the device. Spokesperson Kang Yu-jung described it as spontaneous, stemming from Lee's 'quick wit and sense of humor.' The photos—including one of the leaders and group shots with their wives—were posted on X by Lee, captioned 'once-in-a-lifetime photos.'
The Xiaomi models feature Korean-made displays. At the APEC gifting, Lee had joked about security, prompting Xi's laughing reference to checking for 'backdoors.'
The selfies exploded on social media, boosting Xiaomi's visibility while igniting criticism in South Korea. Samsung outlet Sammy Fans contributor Yash noted: 'Think of Korean President Lee pulling out Samsung’s Galaxy Z TriFold phone... That would have been a prime moment to showcase Samsung.' Users questioned, 'Not a Samsung phone, but a Xiaomi?' and why Samsung Chairman Lee Jae-yong joined the delegation. Analysts say short-term sales impacts are unlikely but perceptions could shift in the smartphone rivalry.
Amid improved ties, discussions touched cultural exchanges like Go tournaments, soccer matches, and more pandas for Uchi Park in Gwangju. Markets reacted positively, with KOSPI topping 4,500 points first time. At dinner, they toasted with Maotai and enjoyed Beijing-style jajangmyeon; Lee remarked the Chinese version 'tastes healthier.'
