Kim Hyun-bin began his journalism career at Arirang TV from 2012 to 2017, specializing in defense, foreign affairs and the economy. In 2018, he joined The Korea Times, covering society and business, and is currently responsible for embassy affairs.
Hyundai Motor's Expo videos surpass 100 million views
The main screen of Hyundai Motor Group's first series of Busan World Expo promotional videos, "Busan Citizens Invite You All," features Busan residents introducing the southern port city's diverse attractions. Courtesy of Hyundai Motor Group
By Kim Hyun-bin
By Kim Hyun-bin
Hyundai Motor Group's promotional videos, created with the citizens of Busan and foreign residents in Korea to promote Busan's Expo bid, have surpassed 100 million global views, according to the company, Monday.
To showcase Busan's unique competitiveness as a candidate city to host the World Expo 2030, Hyundai Motor Group produced a total of 37 promotional videos. These videos achieved a combined view count of 100 million on May 18, three months after the first was released.
Hyundai Motor Group expects the global interest in the Busan World Expo promotional videos to contribute to a positive reception for Busan's Expo bid during the 172nd General Assembly of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) held in Paris on June 20 and 21 (local time).
The 172nd General Assembly is anticipated to be pivotal in the pre-selection process for the host city of the World Expo 2030. It will include review reports on the candidate cities, including Busan, as well as the fourth competition presentation and official receptions for candidate countries.
On March 26, prior to the BIE inspection team's visit to Korea, Hyundai Motor Group released the first episode of a video series titled, "Busan Citizens Invite You All," created in collaboration with Busan citizens through the group's social media channels.
During the inspection period, the globally launched second series titled, "Busan is Ready!" (consisting of a total of 18 episodes) featured foreign residents in Korea from 17 BIE member countries, emphasizing Busan's genuine determination to host the World Expo.
The video campaign comprised two global integrated videos and 35 short-form videos specifically tailored for BIE member countries. Busan citizens of various occupations highlighted the southeastern coastal city's diverse attractions and hosting capabilities in 15 languages spoken by BIE member countries. The "Busan Citizens Invite You All" videos garnered an impressive 56.45 million views all together.
In the second series, "Busan is Ready!", featuring foreign residents from 17 BIE member countries introducing Busan's readiness and competitiveness in their native languages, attracted 44.7 million views.
Among the total view count of 111.5 million, overseas views accounted for over 60 percent, or 70.44 million views.