K-pop boy group BTS gathered for a concert in Busan on Saturday in support of South Korea’s bid to host World Expo 2030 in the southern port city.
The free concert – titled “BTS Yet To Come in Busan” – drew an audience of around 52,000 to a stadium, according to Yonhap news agency.
A total of 100,000 people were expected to visit the stadium and other areas, according to Busan metropolitan city authorities, with some fans watching the event live on large screens set up at several locations around Busan.
The gig follows the seven-member band’s announcement in June of a June hiatus from the band’s musical activities to pursue solo projects, raising questions about the band’s future.
With BTS’s oldest member Jin, who turns 30 next year, facing compulsory military service from South Korea, the country’s defense minister said in August that BTS may still be able to perform overseas while serving in the military.
Under a 2019 law review, globally recognized K-pop stars were allowed to defer service for up to 30 years. Military service is extremely controversial in South Korea where all able-bodied males between the ages of 18 and 28 must perform their duties as part of efforts to defend against North Korea’s nuclear weapon.
“If all seven members of BTS feel the same and if you trust us, we will overcome whatever happens to us in the future and we will play with you and make music. Please let us know. trust,” BTS leader RM told fans during the concert, without giving further details.
Four countries – South Korea, Italy, Ukraine and Saudi Arabia – have submitted competing bids to host the 2030 World Expo, according to the expo’s organizing body, the International Exhibitions Bureau. (IEB). The host country for the 2030 World Expo is expected to be elected next year.
In July, BTS was named the official ambassador for World Expo 2030 in Busan, over 300 km (190 miles) southeast of the capital Seoul.
BTS debuted in June 2013 and became a global sensation with their upbeat hits and social campaigns aimed at empowering young people.
Last year, BTS became the first Asian group to win Artist of the Year at the American Music Awards. The group met with US President Joe Biden at the White House in May to discuss hate crimes targeting Asians.