Upon Donald Trump’s arrival in South Korea on Wednesday, as part of his six-day Asian visit, he was afforded a reception fit for royalty.

Following the example of other global political and business leaders, [President Lee Jae Myung, implied] aimed to lavish the U.S. President with a present, a subtle effort to win his favor. While some, such as , have bestowed him with , and others have flattered him with honorary , Lee chose to present the man who earlier this year with a gold crown.

Lee presented Trump with a specially gilded replica of an ancient Korean kingdom’s crown during a ceremony at the Gyeongju National Museum in Gyeongju. The original crown, which is over a millennium old, was unearthed from the Cheonmachong tomb in the 1970s and is recognized as a national treasure. A South Korean official clarified to Trump that it “symbolizes the sacred link between divine authority and earthly sovereignty, as well as the powerful leadership and influence of a ruler.” The official added that Lee was bestowing the crown to commemorate his state visit and acknowledge a “golden era for the Korea-U.S. alliance.”

Lee also conferred upon Trump the Grand Order of Mugunghwa, South Korea’s most prestigious honor. Trump expressed gratitude for the gifts, and while examining the medal, which he was the first U.S. President to receive, he remarked, “It’s truly beautiful. I’d like to wear it right now.”

However, while their government seemingly appealed to Trump’s fondness for gold and a regal self-image, some South Koreans with chants including “No kings: Trump not welcome.”

This rallying cry echoes that of and emerges as various South Korean civic organizations, opposition politicians, and citizens have grown displeased with Trump’s assertive diplomacy, including steep tariffs, , and —all issues Lee seeks to negotiate in .

“It appears the U.S. is viewing and treating South Korea as its cash cow,” stated Kim Sol-yi, a 22-year-old college student who participated in a protest in Seoul on Saturday, . “Honestly, it makes me quite angry and makes me question whether the U.S. even considers us an equal partner.”

Nonetheless, while only a third of South Koreans have confidence in Trump to act appropriately as a global leader, according to a June , a by newspaper JoongAng Ilbo and the East Asia Institute found that a majority of South Koreans perceive the U.S.’s rivalry with China as their country’s most significant threat. And 89% of South Koreans, according to , regard the U.S. as their most vital ally. have also gripped South Korea as it prepares to host a on Thursday.

This represents a delicate balancing act for Lee, who endeavors to with both competing superpowers.

“The U.S. is the indispensable security ally; China is the indispensable economic partner,” Lam Peng Er, principal research fellow at the National University of Singapore’s East Asian Institute, told TIME. “They wish to avoid a binary situation where they must align solely with one side, because strong relationships with both sides are truly necessary.”