[BusanIsReady] "Perfect Expo"... Yoon's English PT Draws Cheers from International Delegations

Yoon Delivers English PT on Busan Expo Bid at BIE General Assembly
"Busan, a Platform for Complex Crisis Response Solutions"
Candidate Country Prepared for Expo Following Olympics and World Cup

On the 20th (local time), President Yoon Suk-yeol appealed for support for the 2030 Expo Busan at the General Assembly of the International Bureau of Expositions (BIE), stating, "The Republic of Korea has invested perfectly to prepare the best World Expo. Korea will create the most perfect Expo in history." He emphasized that Korea and Busan, as a prepared nation with strengths such as modern history, contributions to the global community, and a track record of hosting major international events, can lead international solidarity and shift the paradigm for the future.

President Yoon made these remarks in English during the 4th competitive presentation (PT) for the 2030 Expo at the 172nd General Assembly of the BIE held in Issy-les-Moulineaux, France, that afternoon. As a presenter in the competitive PT, President Yoon actively promoted the rationale for Busan hosting the Expo, Korea’s goals to achieve together with global citizens, and the likelihood of success based on Korea’s experience hosting various international events.

Notably, the competitive PT featured singer Psy (real name Park Jae-sang), Jin Yang-gyo, a professor at Hongik University Graduate School of Architecture and Urban Planning who oversaw the master plan for the Busan Expo exhibition hall, and Lee Soo-in, CEO of Enuma. Karina, leader of the girl group aespa, and soprano Cho Sumi also appeared in a mid-presentation video to request support for hosting the Busan Expo.

◆Busan, a platform for solutions to complex crises… Yoon: "Busan is ready"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Taking the podium, President Yoon defined Busan as "a gateway to the Eurasian continent and a city advancing toward the ocean. A city of challenge and a city of the future," opening by stating that it will become a solution platform to address uncertainties and complex crises such as war and terrorism, digital inequality, and the climate crisis faced by the international community.

He also introduced Korea’s transformation from a recipient of aid after the Korean War in June 1950 to a country implementing 1,258 official development assistance (ODA) projects. President Yoon particularly stated, "Through the 'Busan Initiative,' Korea will share its development experience with the international community and take the lead in solving problems humanity faces," adding, "Moreover, the Busan Expo will realize a cultural Expo where all cultural diversity is respected and all members are treated equally."

He further promised sustainable peace and prosperity for future generations, emphasizing, "Through the Busan Expo, the world’s youth will learn to cooperate as a human community." He pledged participation support from over 110 member countries, the largest ever, if the 2030 World Expo is held in Busan. President Yoon explained, "It will be an Expo where every country can freely express its unique culture, traditions, and technologies."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

He also actively promoted Korea’s capability to successfully host the Expo based on its experience with various international events. President Yoon said, "Korea has accumulated sufficient experience through two recognized Expos held in Daejeon in 1993 and Yeosu in 2012," adding, "Korea is also a country that has hosted mega-events such as the 1988 Summer Olympics, the 2002 World Cup, and the 2018 Winter Olympics. We are a prepared candidate."

President Yoon introduced examples such as the 1851 London Expo, the 1900 Paris Expo, and the 2000 Hanover Expo, which contributed to shifts in perception regarding the British Industrial Revolution, cultural diffusion, and the natural environment, respectively. He expressed confidence that "the 2030 Busan Expo will be remembered as an Expo that shifted our perspective from competition to the value of solidarity." He concluded with, "Busan is ready. We are united. Let’s change the world together and move toward a better future. See you in Busan in 2030."

◆From K-pop and K-education to K-video... BIE General Assembly immersed in 'K'

As Korea’s PT began, Karina appeared in the opening video as the representative host for the future generation. Karina said, "You are the future of the Earth," and asked, "Please judge ideas for the future and decide which ideas are best. Our participants are here," introducing the PT speakers.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

When Psy (real name Park Jae-sang), who made K-pop known worldwide with "Gangnam Style," was the first of four speakers to take the stage, delegations from various countries cheered. Psy recalled, "When I stayed in Paris, I remember doing a flash mob with 20,000 people at the 'Trocad?ro Square' facing the Eiffel Tower in 2012 with my song 'Gangnam Style.' Though we spoke different languages, we united at that big event," adding, "I believe the 2030 Busan World Expo will unite us all like that performance."

Following this, a support video for the Busan Expo by world-renowned architect Dominique Perrault was shown, and Professor Jin was the second speaker, emphasizing the rationale for hosting by linking the North Port, the Busan Expo site, with "Busan’s history." Professor Jin explained that the North Port was once Korea’s busiest international port but has now become a place of abandoned buildings and machinery, stating, "Our plan (through the Expo) is to transform the remnants of old industrialization into a space for sustainable living." Regarding this, the design concept for the 2030 Busan Expo site was introduced as "Re-Earth," meaning "again Earth." In a mid-presentation video, soprano Cho Sumi highlighted the various benefits participating countries would gain from the Busan Expo.

Lee Soo-in, CEO of Enuma, a social venture providing education to vulnerable groups such as children in developing countries, people with disabilities, and multicultural families, reiterated the rationale by saying, "To overcome obstacles, the efforts of governments, companies, and entrepreneurs and a shared spirit of humanity must unite," calling this Korea’s "Busan Initiative."

◆Yoon couple personally involved to promise 'future, commitment, reciprocation, solidarity'

It is known that President Yoon began preparing for this 4th PT, considered a turning point for the 2030 Expo bid, immediately after the BIE inspection team visited Korea in April. A senior official from the presidential office explained, "From the early stages of preparing for this General Assembly, it was confirmed that President Yoon would personally attend and present," adding, "There is no strict rule that a government official must do the PT, but it is very meaningful for the president, who can decide on official development assistance (ODA), to present personally."

Presidential office officials said that from the moment the presidential aircraft, Air Force One, took off from Seongnam Seoul Airport on the 19th until landing at Paris Orly Airport, President Yoon continuously read and revised the English speech for about 14 hours. The speech was drafted by senior aides and then revised together with MZ generation administrative officers and President Yoon, similar to the joint address to the US Congress during his state visit to the United States in April. President Yoon focused on delivering the message clearly using simple words, considering the diverse international delegates attending the BIE General Assembly. On the morning of the PT day, he rehearsed twice at the hotel event hall where he was staying.

First Lady Kim Geon-hee also actively participated in the 2030 Busan Expo bid. She attended the "Local Foreign Press Busan Expo Exhibition Tour" held at the Korean Cultural Center in France that afternoon. She requested support, saying, "Korea is hot, but our Busan is even hotter," and "I hope you will take great interest in Korea and Busan and give much love until the Busan Expo succeeds."

Italian Prime Minister also gave English PT... Saudi Crown Prince Bin Salman also headed to Paris

Saudi Arabia, which gave the first PT, emphasized its massive infrastructure backed by powerful 'oil dollars' by sending senior officials responsible for Expo-related affairs, including ministers of foreign affairs and investment, while promising an eco-friendly Expo. They introduced plans to make the 2030 Riyadh Expo not just carbon neutral but 'carbon negative,' operating exhibition halls with solar energy, reducing food waste, and developing strategies to guarantee recycling.

Saudi Arabia, which has faced international criticism on human rights, also presented "principles of equality, inclusion, and sustainability" as its core spirit, ensuring mobility for people with disabilities and guaranteeing labor rights at the highest international standards. Among Saudi speakers, Princess Reema bint Bandar Al Saud, great-granddaughter of Ibn Saud, the first king of Saudi Arabia, the first female ambassador to the US in Saudi history, and an advocate for women's rights, stood out. Saudi Arabia, often criticized for gender discrimination and lack of respect for women's rights, appointed two female directors responsible for landscaping and creative arts at the Riyadh Royal Commission and achieved a 3:3 gender ratio among speakers. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, visiting Paris, did not present in person but appeared in photos, showing his presence.

The final main speaker on stage was Giorgia Meloni, Prime Minister of Italy. Like President Yoon, she gave her PT in English, expressing a desire to host the Expo in Rome, where brilliant history and innovative future technologies coexist. Aware that Rome is a latecomer compared to Busan and Riyadh, Prime Minister Meloni emphasized, "Both Italy and Italians hope to host the 2030 Expo in Rome," adding, "This is supported at the national level."

Italy also promised an environmentally friendly Expo, planning to install clean energy production facilities at each Expo pavilion and operate buildings with that energy, transforming it into the largest solar power plant ever. Italy featured distinctive speakers, including a 10-year-old girl and Italy’s first female astronaut, and attracted attention with a video message from Russell Crowe, the star of the film Gladiator. Having acted in a movie set in ancient Rome and serving as an 'honorary ambassador' of Rome, he appealed for support, saying, "Rome is the greatest capital in the world, always extending a hand to all humanity."