By Publisher Lee Jon-young, Reporter Kayla Lee

Korea delivered a presentation (PT) at the 172nd General Assembly of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) in Paris, France, to showcase its passion for bidding for the 2030 World Expo Busan on June 20. This is the fourth of five PTs in the bid process.

The fourth PT is expected to be a watershed moment to capture the votes of member states ahead of the decision on the host city in November this year.

President Yoon Suk-yeol and 'Gangnam Style' singer PSY, KARINA, and Jo Soomi appeared at the PT, attracting the attention of the audience, while speakers from all walks of life, including academics and startup representatives, gave on-site presentations to bolster Korea's bid.

Korea, which showed the overwhelming power of K-content compared to its competitors in the third PT, continued its competitive PT for about 30 minutes with various videos and presentations in the fourth PT, and once again convincingly conveyed the justification for hosting the Busan World Expo.

Korea's PT was organized in the form of a TV talent show to solve the challenges facing humanity, such as the climate crisis and the digital divide, with girl group ESP's Carina leading the start and finish of the talent show.
Singer Psy, who appeared as the first speaker, emphasized the advantages of Korea's creative and open culture, which has been the basis for the success of K-content such as K-pop, with the theme "Busan World Expo 2030, another K-brand that will unite the world.

He also said that the 2030 Busan World Expo will be a global platform for people around the world to discuss a sustainable future together.

Next, world-renowned architect Dominique Perrault expressed his support for the 2030 Busan World Expo, which is in line with his philosophy of prioritizing harmony between nature and humans, through a video.

Perrault, a French architect, is considered a world-class architect who designed the French National Library, the European Union (EU) Headquarters in Luxembourg, the Madrid Olympic Tennis Stadium, Ewha Womans University Campus Center, and the main building of the Yeosu Expo.

Next, Professor Jin Yang-kyo of Hongik University, who was in charge of the 'master plan' for the Busan World Expo venue, appeared on stage and introduced the venue, which will be created as an eco-friendly space where humans, nature, and technology harmonize with each other under the concept of 'Re-Earth' under the theme of 'Space with Future Solutions, Busan World Expo 2030'.

Through this, Prof. Jin emphasized that the Busan World Expo will be an open platform for countries to share solutions accumulated through collaboration, and a sustainable space even after the World Expo.

The third on-site speaker, Mr. Lee Soo-in Enuma, drew attention by introducing his case of developing applications for underprivileged children around the world.

Noting that technology requires the collaboration of individuals, companies, and countries to change humanity's lives for the better, he emphasized that Korea is already collaborating with countries around the world through the Busan Initiative, and that the 2030 Busan World Expo will bring together wisdom to change the future. 

The Busan Initiative, according to Lee, refers to Korea's unique model of international cooperation based on global partnerships and international cooperation projects (ODA, manpower exchange, etc.) in areas such as climate crisis, digital transformation, food and health, and education.

In addition, Jo Sumi, a world-renowned soprano and Busan World Expo PR Ambassador, brought the atmosphere of Korea's Competitive PT to a climax by expressing the passion and desire of the Korean people for the 2030 Busan World Expo through the music video of the Busan Expo bid song "We will be one".

As the final speaker of the Korean Competition PT, President Yoon Suk-

▲   President Yoon Suk-yeol, who is visiting France to support Busan's bid for the 2030 World Expo, delivers the 4th Competition Presentation (PT) at the 172nd General Assembly of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) at the Issy-les-Molins in Paris on June 20 (local time)./ Courtesy of the Office of the President

yeol strongly expressed Korea's commitment to the Busan World Expo under the theme of "Korea's Promise for Future Generations," drawing enthusiastic responses from the members.

In his speech, President Yoon said, "Korea has invested fully to prepare for the best Expo," adding, "The central government, local governments, businesses, citizens, all political parties, and the 7.5 million overseas Koreans around the world are all eager for the Busan Expo."

"Korea, which was devastated by war more than 70 years ago, has transformed into an economic powerhouse with the help of the international community," he said. "Through the 'Busan Initiative,' we will share our development experience with the international community and take the lead in solving the problems facing humanity."

Following the successful conclusion of the 4th PT, the Republic of Korea will continue its efforts to win the hearts and minds of members at the BIE's official reception, which will be held over a luncheon on the 21st.

The government, business, and the National Assembly will work closely together as the "KOREA ONE - TEAM" to actively pursue the bid until the final vote in November. The fifth and final PT will be held on November 28.