PARIS - On the eve of the crucial vote, South Korean officials and business leaders, led by Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, are in Paris to make their final pitch to host the 2030 World Expo in Busan. This last-minute lobbying effort is taking place ahead of Tuesday's decision by the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), which will determine the host city during its general assembly.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the South Korean delegation, including Han, arrived in Paris on Sunday for a five-day visit. They aim to meet with delegates from BIE member states to convey Busan's vision and its ability to utilize the World Expo as a platform for addressing global issues. The focus is particularly on persuading undecided member states. With Busan, Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), and Rome (Italy) as contenders, many observers anticipate a close race between Busan and Riyadh, potentially leading to a second round of voting.
Prominent South Korean business leaders like Samsung Electronics Executive Chairman Lee Jae-yong and SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won have joined the country's campaign. Samsung Electronics has shown its support through billboards across Paris, including at Charles de Gaulle Airport and popular tourist sites. Meanwhile, Hyundai Motor Co. has promoted the bid using custom-designed units of its electric vehicles like the Ioniq 5, EV6, and G80 models throughout Paris. The general assembly will feature presentations of Expo projects by the three candidate cities, followed by a secret ballot vote. The result is expected to be announced early Thursday.