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Gyeongju-inspired cuisine and a star-studded cultural performance will be the highlights of the official welcome dinner for the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting tonight, hosted by President Lee Jae Myung and the first lady Kim Hea Kyung, the presidential office said Friday. This highly anticipated banquet marks the peak of a series of APEC meetings where drinks served at earlier official events, ranging from nonalcoholic tea to makgeolli (Korean rice wine), already demonstrated Korea’s blend of protocol and cultural diplomacy. Lee and his wife will host the official dinner at the Lahan Select Gyeongju, for about 400 distinguished guests, including the heads of the 21 APEC member economies, representatives of international organizations and CEOs of multinational companies. The presidential office said the official dinner is designed to be a meaningful venue where Korean culture, technology and the commitment to cooperation across the Asia-Pacific region are seamlessly connected. The banquet will feature a carefully curated menu developed in collaboration with Korean American star chef Edw