Presidential Office: "Regrettable Outcome Despite Fierce Efforts... Comfort and Thanks to the People"

Written Briefing on the Failure to Host the 2030 Busan Expo

On the 29th, the Presidential Office expressed condolences to the citizens of Busan and the public regarding the failure to secure the 2030 World Expo (Expo) in Busan.

Kim Eun-hye, the Presidential Office's Chief Public Relations Officer, announced this in a written briefing that morning.

Chief Kim said, "Although the public and private sectors worked fiercely as one team, we faced a disappointing outcome," adding, "We extend our condolences and gratitude to the citizens of Busan and the public who waited late into the night for the results and supported Busan's bid."

In the final vote for the 2030 Expo held by the International Bureau of Expositions (BIE) in Paris, France, on the 28th (local time), Busan received 29 out of 165 votes, avoiding third place (Italy's Rome received 17 votes), but lost by allowing Saudi Arabia's Riyadh to secure two-thirds of the votes with 119, failing to advance to the second round of voting.

Han Duck-soo, Prime Minister and co-chairman of the 2030 Expo Hosting Committee, expressed his thoughts at a brief press conference held locally immediately after Busan's failure to secure the 2030 Expo was confirmed, saying, "I am sorry for not meeting the passionate expectations of the people and deeply apologize for not adequately repaying the support we have received."

He continued, "I would like to once again thank the many companies in the business community who worked hard for the 2030 Busan Expo, all government officials who exerted effort, the citizens of Busan, and the unanimous support from the National Assembly," adding, "We humbly accept this result and will continue to develop the diplomatic assets we have gained while visiting 182 countries."

On the afternoon of the 28th (local time), the voting results for the selection of the host city for the 2030 World Expo were displayed on the press center monitor at the 173rd General Assembly of the International Bureau of Expositions (BIE) held at the Palais des Congr?s on the outskirts of Paris, France. In the first round of voting, Saudi Arabia received 119 votes, Korea 29 votes, and Rome 17 votes, resulting in Korea's failure to secure the Expo hosting rights. [Image source=Yonhap News]