The Bid Committee for World Expo formally appointed the GRAMMY-nominated global k-pop phenoms and South Korean pop music sensation, BTS, as honorary public relations ambassadors for World Expo 2030, Busan, Korea.
The appointment ceremony took place at HYBE headquarters in Yongsan, Seoul, where BTS received the plaques for their official appointment as ambassadors for the 2030 World Expo. As announced last month, the septet will perform as the headlining act at a world concert and will take part in various promotional activities to support their nation’s quest to host the 2030 World Expo in the port city of Busan in October.
The World Expo is a six-month-long event held every five years and attracts millions of visitors to the host city. Last year, the event was hosted by Dubai from October 1, 2021, to March 31, 2022, after being postponed because of the rising of the coronavirus pandemic.
South Korean Prime Minister Han Duk-soo attended the event along with the chairperson of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), Chey Tae-won, who co-chairs the Bid Committee. The mayor of Busan Metropolitan City Park, Heong-joon, and HYBE CEO, Jiwon Park, were both in attendance, amongst other invitees.
RM of BTS expressed his thoughts on this honorary appointment and the responsibilities to be followed up on. He said, “We are honoured to be appointed as ambassadors for World Expo 2030 Busan. BTS will do its best to support in bringing the World Expo 2030 to Busan. Starting with the Global Busan Concert in October, we will carry out various ambassador activities.” He added, “We will also make extra efforts to not only support the nation’s bid but also promote the beautiful nature and culture of the Republic of Korea worldwide.”
Prime Minister Han Duk-soo expressed his excitement and vision stating,
“I want to express my gratitude to BTS, the beloved global stars who have gladly accepted the ambassadorship for World Expo 2030 Busan. The most essential part to our success would be the support from Korean citizens as well as the global community. We believe that BTS will take the most pivotal role during the process. With the support from BTS and our people, we will be able to achieve our goal. ”
Last year, “Squid Game” famed South Korean actor Lee Jung-jae was chosen as the first public relations ambassador for the 2030 Busan World Expo bid. According to Park Hyung-joon, BTS and the city of Busan have been collaborating as partners at the World Expo for the advancement of humanity and prosperity throughout the world. He added,
“After world-famous actor Lee Jung-jae, BTS joining as a public relations ambassador is expected to greatly increase interest in and support for the 2030 Busan World Expo, both at home and abroad.
BTS — comprising RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook — announced in June that they were taking a break to focus on individual projects. The group has contributed enormously and significantly to the development of human culture around the world, influencing millions of people, which best serves the purpose of the World Expo, which proposes universal values that respond to the new era and present a prospect for the future.
KCCI Chairman Chey Tae-won also expressed their thoughts, “We’ve got a thousand troops on our side. At the end of last year, BTS’ online concert was attended by ARMY from 197 countries/regions, more than the number of Member States of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), which is 170. We are excited to see how BTS’ participation will affect the World Expo 2030 bid.”
HYBE CEO Jiwon Park also spoke about the appointment of the new ambassadors and expressed his excitement about this opportunity “to contribute to the nation’s bid for World Expo 2030.” As a representative of HYBE, he’s keen to support the septet with their ambassador activities and the development of Busan Metropolitan City and local pop culture.
In 2021, the then South Korean President Moon Jae-in appointed BTS as the ‘Special Presidential Envoy for Future Generations and Culture’ ahead of the 76th UN General Assembly. To watch the official appointment ceremony of the Honorary ambassador for the 2030 Busan World Expo, click below! (The BTS appointment starts at the timestamp 33:03.)
More information about the ambassador activities of BTS, including the Global Concert, will be announced and shared in due course.
This is such a proud moment for all of us and the entire ARMY worldwide! Spread the happiness and share your thoughts on Twitter with us @CelebMix!