"Expo Is Off the Table" Remark Sparks Controversy... Busan in Uproar

Kang Cheol-ho Expo Hosting Committee Chairman: "Unthinkable"
Busan Dong-gu, Candidate Venue: "Do Not Use for Political Strife"
Ruling Party Figures Also Criticize, Escalating Political Conflict

The remarks by Kim Han-gyu, the floor spokesperson for the Democratic Party of Korea, that "due to the Jamboree incident, the bid to host the Busan World Expo is practically off the table" are causing a ripple effect. In particular, public opinion in the Busan region, which is directly involved in the hosting effort, is on the verge of an explosion.

Democratic Party of Korea Floor Spokesperson Kim Han-gyu. Photo by Heo Young-han younghan@

Kang Cheol-ho, chairman of the Busan City Council's Special Committee for the 2030 World Expo bid, said on the 11th, "An unacceptable event has occurred." Chairman Kang stated, "It is like pouring cold water on the hopes of the officials who have been putting all their efforts into winning the Expo bid and the hopes of the entire nation," adding, "In the midst of fierce competition for the bid, how can one be a stumbling block rather than laying a stepping stone? Who are you representing?" He continued, "Even now, to prevent national division and to properly convey the people's sincere wishes externally, a heartfelt apology from Spokesperson Kim is necessary."

Dong-gu, Busan, the candidate site for the Expo, also urged through a press release on the same day, "Do not use the Expo for political strife." "All residents of Busan are united in their efforts toward the Busan World Expo bid, engaging in various events and promotions," and "In a situation where only about three months remain and it is uncertain whether a final push can be made, to categorically declare that the possibility is gone due to the Jamboree incident is an act that destroys the earnest wishes of Busan citizens and Dong-gu residents." Dong-gu is the location where the Expo venue would be held if Busan wins the bid.

Meanwhile, on the 9th, Kim Han-gyu, the floor spokesperson for the Democratic Party of Korea, appeared on a radio program and said, "Due to the Jamboree incident, the Busan Expo bid is practically off the table." The ruling party, the People Power Party, has reacted by calling it a "reckless remark," and political controversy continues.