Japan to back Busan’s bid to host World Expo 2030

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo departs for France to the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) General Assembly in Paris. [Courtesy of Prime Minister’s Secretariat]

South Korea’s final push to secure the hosting rights for the 2030 World Expo in Busan has gained momentum, receiving tacit support from Japan. The Japanese government has reportedly affirmed its plan to back Busan’s bid, marking a shift from Saudi Arabia due to regional ties. This change is attributed to Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s efforts to enhance relations between Seoul and Tokyo. With the latest shift in its position, Tokyo seems willing to share the know-how it has accumulated as it prepares to host the 2025 Osaka Kansai Expo if Busan is chosen for the 2030 event.

The Korean government and business representatives are actively engaged in a last-minute push for the bid. Following Yoon’s visit to the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) General Assembly in Paris, where the vote will be held on November 28, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo took over and headed to Paris on Sunday. Over the past year, Korean officials from the government and business sector have traveled a total distance of 19.89 million kilometers in pursuit of the Expo bid.

During his recent visit to Paris, Yoon attended the National Day reception at the Brongniart Palace on Friday, expressing his aspiration to “pioneer human solidarity through the 2030 Busan World Expo.” SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won, co-chairman of Busan’s Expo bid committee, and leaders of major conglomerates including Samsung Group, Hyundai Motor Group, and LG Group, were also present at the reception.