Yoon, joined by Psy, to present Busan’s World Expo bid in Paris

Social Affairs

Published: 18 Jun. 2023, 17:46 Updated: 18 Jun. 2023, 23:30

Yoon, joined by Psy, to present Busan’s World Expo bid in Paris

President Yoon Suk Yeol announces plans to visit Paris to promote Korea's bid to host the 2030 World Expo in Busan during a Cabinet meeting at the Yongsan presidential office in central Seoul on Tuesday. [JOINT PRESS CORPS]

President Yoon Suk Yeol will make an English-language speech at the general assembly of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) in Paris Tuesday to promote Busan's bid to host the 2030 World Expo, his office said Sunday.

Yoon will make a presentation at the BIE's 172nd general assembly, joined by notable speakers such as Korean singer Psy of hit song "Gangnam Style" fame, and startup leaders and academics, according to the presidential office in a statement.

The president will appear as the last speaker of the presentation to "strongly express Korea's will to host the World Expo in Busan and draw an enthusiastic response and support from member countries," his office said.

Korean singer Psy, pictured at a movie screening event in Seoul last month, will be attending the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) general assembly next week to support Busan's World Expo bid. [NEWS1]

Karina, leader of K-pop girl group aespa, and soprano Jo Sumi, will also make appearances through video in support of the bid.

Also competing for the 2030 World Expo bid are Saudi Arabia's Riyadh, Ukraine's Odesa and Italy's Rome.

The 179-member BIE general assembly meets next Tuesday and Wednesday in Paris.

This marks the fourth round of presentations ahead of the final selection by secret ballot in November.

Yoon and first lady Kim Keon-hee are set to kick off a six-day, two-leg overseas trip starting Monday that will take them to France and Vietnam for a state visit.

On Wednesday, Yoon will attend an official World Expo reception hosted by Korea to rally support from foreign dignitaries.

During the trip, Yoon will also hold a summit with French President Emmanuel Macron at Élysée Palace in Paris and attend a series of meetings with Koreans in France, businesspeople and youths.