Busan is ‘your one choice,’ says former UN chief, K-pop stars through BIE final presentation [WORLD EXPO 2030]

Former UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and other noteworthy figures gave a fifth and final presentation, stressing Korea's hope to give back to the society through its bid to host the World Expo 2030 in Busan, just hours before the final vote.

Former UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon speaks at the fifth and final presentation at the 173rd General Assembly of the Bureau International des Expositions in Paris Tuesday, ahead of the vote to select the host city of the 2030 World Expo. [YONHAP]

Former UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and other noteworthy figures gave a fifth and final presentation in Paris, stressing Korea's hope to give back to the society through its bid to host the World Expo 2030 in Busan on Tuesday, just hours before the final vote.

Korea's southeastern coast city of Busan was up against Italy's Rome and Saudi Arabia's Riyadh in a fierce race to be determined by a secret ballot following the presentations in the 173rd general assembly of the Paris-headquartered Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), the 182-member international body in charge of overseeing the World Expo.

These presentations were the last shot for the three countries to sway the member states before the vote.

The three competing countries, in the order of Korea, Italy and Saudi Arabia, gave their 20-minute presentations at the general assembly.

"It is thanks to friends like you that Korea has emerged as a land of hope where our future generations dream big for tomorrow," Ban said. "Our duty is to give our youth the promise of a brighter future in a world without scarcity or conflict."

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo speaks at the fifth and final presentation of competing countries at the 173rd General Assembly of the Bureau International des Expositions in Paris Tuesday ahead of the vote to select the host city of the 2030 World Expo. [YONHAP]

Korea's five presenters were Busan Mayor Park Heong-joon, Rah Seung-yeon, a spokesperson for the PyeongChang Winter Olympics Bidding Committee, SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won, who doubles as the head of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo and Ban in that order.

Han and Chey serve as co-chairs of the joint governmental-civilian World Expo 2030 Bid Committee, involved in Busan's campaign process from day one, while Rah previously played a significant role in the successful bid for the 2018 Games.

The Korean presentation focused on how Busan, representative of South Korea's rapid economic growth after the devastating 1950–53 Korean War and benefiting from international aid, intends to give back to the international community.

Han highlighted that Korea pledged "unmatched support," promising $520 million for more than 110 developing nations.

"Our commitment is unmatched in expo history," Han said.

Park, as the first presenter, touted that his city is ready to host the World Expo by showcasing Boogi, Busan's adorable seagull mascot.

Chey introduced a "solutions platform" promising to deliver customized solutions catered to each country, including addressing grid issues, water shortages, digital gaps and lack of telecom infrastructure, noting "there is no one size fits all."

"That is why we will walk with you to tackle your issues," Chey said, adding the "legacy should continue" after 2030 to the next host city.

They all gave the presentations in English, while Ban and Han interspersed remarks in French.

Busan Mayor Park Heong-joon, left, speaks alongside Boogi, Busan’s seagull mascot, at the fifth and final presentation of competing countries at the 173rd General Assembly of the Bureau International des Expositions in Paris Tuesday. [YONHAP]

SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won speaks at the fifth and final presentation at the 173rd General Assembly of the Bureau International des Expositions in Paris Tuesday, ahead of the vote to select the host city of the 2030 World Expo. [YONHAP]

The government had been keeping mum on the presenters for a surprise factor till the last moment.

K-pop stars including Psy of "Gangnam Style" fame, singer Kim Jun-su and Squid Game actor Lee Jung-jae delivered messages through a video to support Busan's bid.

Colin Thackery, a 93-year-old British veteran of the Korean War and a winner of talent competition "Britain's Got Talent" in 2019, also appeared in a video during the presentation in support of Busan.

In June, Yoon gave an English-language speech at the fourth presentation of the BIE general assembly in Paris, taking part in World Expo promotion efforts in person with field experts and Psy.

The latest presentation focused on the message of: "Your one choice."

On the ballot, Busan is candidate "No. 1," Rome "No. 2" and Riyadh "No. 3."

Busan's proposed theme is: "Transforming Our World, Navigating Toward a Better Future," Rome's is "People and Territories: Regeneration, Inclusion and Innovation" and Riyadh's is "The Era of Change: Together for a Foresighted Tomorrow."

Colin Thackery, a 93-year-old British veteran of the Korean War and a winner of talent competition ″Britain's Got Talent″ in 2019, speaks in a video during Korea’s final presentation at the BIE general assembly in Paris Tuesday. [SCREEN CAPTURE]

Korean singer Psy makes an appearance in a video introducing Busan’s 2030 World Expo bid during the final presentation at the BIE general assembly in Paris Tuesday. [SCREEN CAPTURE]

Han has been on a five-day trip to Paris since Sunday to make last-ditch diplomatic efforts for Busan and oversee the voting process.

Following the final presentations, a secret electronic ballot of BIE member countries will be held after a short break. Members were set to begin casting their votes around 4 p.m. Tuesday in Paris or past midnight Wednesday in Seoul.

Government officials estimate that 179 to 180 countries will ultimately participate in the vote.

If none of the three candidates earns two-thirds of the ballots cast in the first round of voting in the BIE, the two leading candidates will move on to a second round of voting.

While Riyadh has frequently been mentioned as the forerunner with its strong promotion activities backed by oil money and promises of large investments, observers have predicted the possibility of a "reversal" scenario in which Korea defeats Italy in the first round of voting, advancing to a runoff with Saudi Arabia and absorbing some of Rome's votes for a shot at victory.

In the case of a runoff, the second round would take place immediately after the initial vote and will be determined by a simple majority.

From left, Rah Seung-yeon, Chey Tae-won, Han Duck-soo, Park Heong-joon and Ban Ki-moon.

BY SARAH KIM [kim.sarah@joongang.co.kr]