[APEC LEADERS' MEETING D-100] How far have S. Korea's preparations come?

South Korea is hosting this year's APEC forum and with one hundred days left to the start of the summit meeting Prime Minister Kim Min-seok chaired a related meeting to check on the preparations thus far.

Song Yoo-jin reports.

Tens of thousands of people -delegates, including world leaders, CEOs, and journalists -will gather in the South Korean city of Gyeongju this fall for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, or APEC Leaders' Meeting.

With 100 days to go, new Prime Minister Kim Min-seok, the head of the event's preparation committee, chaired a meeting on Wednesday to review preparations and progress.

"Just as the 1988 Seoul Olympics changed Korea's global standing, this year's APEC carries even greater historic weight.

It's a chance to reestablish Korea's place in the world after last year's political turmoil.

We must aim for an unprecedented 'K-APEC' that exceeds expectations across diplomacy, venues, accommodations, programming, and service."

Member states will discuss digital innovation and regional connectivity at the two-day Leaders' Meeting from October 31st to November 1st.

Eyes are on who will attend in person, especially U.S. President Donald Trump, China's Xi Jinping, and Russia's Vladimir Putin.

"From transport and logistics to medical services, all government agencies will work as one so that there are no gaps in the preparation.

Specific programs will be finalized by August, infrastructure completed by September, and rehearsals conducted in October, so that we're fully ready by October 31st."

And the APEC CEO Summit will bring together world leaders and prominent business figures for meaningful dialogue.

"We're focusing on next-generation AI chips, digital transformation, and e-commerce.

We plan to host 77 speakers, 17 heads of state, and 60 top-tier figures, over 19 hours of programming.

It will be the longest CEO Summit in APEC history."

Wednesday's meeting was broadcast live, part of the government's effort to ignite public interest.

"We encourage you to visit Gyeongju, learn more about our history, and follow our APEC preparations.

We'll open new dialogue and feedback channels with the public."

This will be the first summit-level multilateral event held in South Korea under President Lee Jae Myung, which means it could serve as a test of his administration's diplomatic strategy.

Song Yoo-jin, Arirang News.