[Yonhap News Photo]
"Korea has been fully investing in preparing for the Busan Expo. We will make it the best World Expo of all time," Yoon told members of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) on June 20, urging that South Korea is a qualified nation. During the presentation conducted in English, he mentioned South Korea's achievements such as hosting the 1988 Summer Olympic Games, the 2002 World Cup, and the 2018 Winter Olympic Games.
The president highlighted South Korea's transformation from a devastated country into an economic behemoth with advanced industries and technologies. Although the nation was once ruined due to the 1950-53 Korean War, he said the country was able to change thanks to the international community's assistance. Yoon added: "Korea wishes to give back to the international community what it has received thus far."
"Through the Busan Initiative, Korea will share its development experiences with the international community," Yoon promised to the BIE members.
The global economic event, which is held every five years for six months, can play a crucial role in promoting South Korea's artificial intelligence, big data, and information communication technologies to the global market. The country is currently competing with Italy's Rome and Riyadh in Saudi Arabia. Rapper Psy, who gained global attention with his hit song "Gangnam Style," has also delivered a speech along with the president to support Busan's bid.
Yoon is currently on a state visit to France. He agreed with President Emmanuel Macron during a summit meeting to cooperate in high-tech technologies, reconstruction of Ukraine, and North Korea's denuclearization. The South Korean leader is set to visit Vietnam on June 22 after completing his schedule in France.
