2030 Busan Expo Bid Fails... Saudi Arabia 119 Votes, Korea 29 Votes

South Korea's bid to host the 2030 World Expo ultimately failed. Saudi Arabia, boasting formidable financial power, was selected as the final host.

On the 28th (local time), at the 173rd General Assembly of the International Bureau of Expositions (BIE) held in Paris, France, the first round of voting resulted in Saudi Arabia receiving 119 votes, securing more than two-thirds of the total. South Korea received 29 votes, and Italy received 17 votes.

Until now, South Korea had pursued a strategy to surpass Italy and advance to the second runoff round to stage a dramatic comeback against Saudi Arabia, but it was overwhelmingly defeated in the first round of voting and ultimately had to accept defeat. Prior to the vote, South Korea made a final presentation (PT) appealing for support by presenting the discourse of 'human solidarity' until the very end.

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo said, "I am sorry that we could not meet the passionate expectations of the people," adding, "We will humbly accept this result and continue to develop the assets accumulated while visiting 182 countries for the Expo bid."