Eric Trump, left, U.S. President Donald Trump’s second-oldest son and executive vice president of the Trump Organization, walks with Base Group Chairman Kim Sung-jib, center right, and Hanam Mayor Lee Hyun-jae during their visit to a development site in Hanam, Gyeonggi Province, Feb. 11. Courtesy of Hanam Mayor's Office
Base Group, a medium-sized Korean conglomerate, announced Thursday that it will establish Trump International Golf Club in Hanam, Gyeonggi Province. The project marks the first Trump-branded golf development in Northeast Asia.
The company selected Hanam due to its proximity and accessibility to the Seoul metropolitan area. Base Group previously drew international attention following reports regarding a $2 million payment made to the Trump Organization.
The partnership brings the Trump brand into the South Korean golf market for the first time.
Eric Trump, executive vice president of the Trump Organization and second-oldest son of U.S. President Donald Trump, commented on the expansion:
"Korea is an extremely dynamic and sophisticated market, and the organization sees tremendous potential in creating a world-class Trump-branded golf course."
He added that he was excited to develop Trump International Golf Club Korea alongside Base Group.
Base Group Chairman Kim Sung-jib highlighted the anticipated impact on the local market:
“It will be a milestone for not only Base Group but also the domestic golf industry. We are delighted to introduce Trump International Golf Club Korea together with the Trump Organization. Through this project, we will create a world-class golf environment, differentiated services and a truly exceptional luxury destination. We expect it to become a leading premium golf destination representing not only Korea but also the broader region.”
Base Group operates multiple subsidiaries, including Keumyang International—which imports and sells wine from the Trump Winery in Virginia—and Camus E&C, a medium-sized construction company.
The conglomerate has maintained connections with the Trump family over several years:
In July, a report by The New York Times revealed that Base Group made a $2 million payment to the Trump Organization last year. The disclosure prompted U.S. Democratic senators to initiate an inquiry into whether the transaction was intended to influence ongoing U.S. Department of Commerce proceedings involving Korea Aluminium, an affiliate of Base Group.
In response to the report, both Base Group and the Trump family stated to The New York Times that the $2 million payment was related to the previously unannounced golf course project.
The U.S. Commerce Department has issued a preliminary ruling that could increase tariffs on exports by Korea Aluminium to 105.8 percent. U.S. authorities have accused Korea Aluminium of circumventing duties on aluminum produced in China. Korea Aluminium manufactures aluminum foil products used in packaging for prescription drugs, ice cream cone wrappers, and other goods.
Source: The Korea Times
