Nam Hyun-woo has worked as a staff writer at The Korea Times since 2013, mostly covering business and politics. He currently belongs to the Business Desk where he covers topics such as emerging tech, AI, ICT and Korea's chaebol community. Prior to joining the team, he was the paper's correspondent for the presidential office of Korea during the Yoon Suk Yeol and Moon Jae-in administrations.
Yoon meets BIE members individually in push for Busan's Expo bid
President Yoon Suk Yeol speaks during a banquet to promote Busan's bid to host the World Expo 2030 at a hotel in Paris, Thursday (local time). Joint Press Corps
By Nam Hyun-woo
President promises 'largest aid package' to member countries
PARIS — President Yoon Suk Yeol canvassed the international delegations to the World Expo governing body during a banquet in Paris, Thursday (local time), personally connecting with those present one by one to to promote the Korean port city of Busan’s bid to host the World Expo 2030.
The banquet took place hours after Yoon arrived in Paris to make last-minute efforts to sell the idea that the Busan Expo 2030 would be an optimal platform to spread and create synergy between each nation’s cultures, skills and beliefs. It came just five days before the general assembly of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), during which the members are set to vote for the host city of the 2030 event.
With more than 60 diplomats and BIE delegates attending, Yoon posed for photos with almost every participant and laid out Busan’s vision for the World Expo, according to presidential spokesperson Lee Do-woon.
“Korea seeks to make a responsible contribution to the international community by hosting the World Expo 2030 in Busan,” Yoon was quoted as saying.
A bus displaying a promotional message on Busan's bid to host the World Expo 2030 is seen in Paris, Friday (local time). Korea Times photo by Nam Hyun-woo
“Korea has dedicated itself to education, nurtured scientific advancements and blossomed culturally throughout its history, and these experiences can be realized anywhere in the world … Through the Busan Initiative, Korea seeks to share its developmental experiences with the international community and take the lead in addressing challenges facing humanity, such as climate crises and Global South issues.”
The initiative he referred to seeks to engage in various global challenges, including sharing Korea’s green technologies to combat the climate crisis and implementing IT innovations to enhance the global digital environment.
Yoon stated that the Busan Expo will provide a platform for solidarity, a stage for all participating nations to showcase their unique cultures and traditions and a venue that connects with the future generations of humanity.
“I hope to see everyone here again at the Busan World Expo, which will provide the largest aid package,” Yoon said.
Spokesperson Lee noted that participants said the banquet was an opportunity to communicate Korea’s commitment to hosting the event and the country’s cultural capabilities. The spokesman said those present appreciated Korea's efforts to contribute to the international community and build peace, highlighting the potential of the Busan Expo as a new platform for cultural dialogue and understanding cultural diversity.
This combined undated handout photo shows an ad for Busan's bid to host the World Expo 2030 on a media facade of a shopping mall in Paris. Courtesy of Busan
Busan is now staging a neck-and-neck race with another Expo hopeful, Riyadh of Saudi Arabia. In Paris, advertisement boards promoting the two cities’ bids were easily noticeable. Italy's Rome is also in the race.
The BIE has 182 member states around the globe. A total of 179 member countries will vote for the host city on Nov. 28 during the upcoming 173rd General Assembly of the organization.
During the banquet, Yoon visited each table to engage with people, as well as taking photos with them and offering his best wishes for each nation’s prosperity.
This is Yoon's second visit to Paris related to Busan’s Expo bid this year. In June, he delivered a presentation in front of BIE representatives in Paris, stressing that Busan seeks to host the event to serve as a platform for solutions to crises facing humanity.
In September, Yoon held summits with leaders from more than 20 countries on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Indonesia and the Group of 20 summit in India. Later in the month, he met more than 47 national leaders in New York during the United Nations General Assembly.
A signboard shows Hyundai Motor Group's ad promoting Busan's bid to host the World Expo 2030 at a shop in Place de la Madeleine in Paris, in this undated handout photo. Courtesy of Hyundai Motor Group
Along with Yoon, Korean business leaders participating in the event also promoted Busan’s bid.
Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Chung Euisun said in his speech that Busan is gaining much international attention due to the country’s scientific and technological advances, K-pop and local food, and stressed that Korea will keep its promise to each country regardless of the outcome of the vote.