K-pop boy band BTS reunited for a concert in Busan in support of South Korea’s bid to host World Expo 2030 in southern port city. Fee free concert titled ‘BTS <Yet To Come> in Busan’ drew an audience of about 52,000 people to a stadium, according to Yonhap News Agency.

A total of 100,000 were expected to visit stadium and other areas, according to Busan Metropolitan City authorities, with some fans watching event live on large screens set up at several places around Busan. Concert followed seven-member band’s announcement of a break in June from group musical activities to pursue solo projects, raising questions about band’s future.

With BTS’ oldest member, Jin who is turning 30 next year, facing South Korea’s mandatory military service, country’s defence minister said in August that BTS might still be able to perform overseas while serving in military. Under a 2019 revision of law, globally recognised K-pop stars were allowed to put off their service until 30.

Military service is hugely controversial in South Korea where all able-bodied men aged between 18 and 28 must fulfil their duties as part of efforts to defend against nuclear-armed North Korea. “If seven BTS members feel same way and if you guys have faith in us, we will overcome whatever happens to us in future and we will perform with you guys and make music.

Please have faith in us,” BTS leader RM told fans during concert, without elaborating further. Four countries, including South Korea, Italy, Ukraine and Saudi Arabia have submitted competing candidatures to organise World Expo 2030, according to expo organising body Bureau International des Expositions (BIE). –Agencies

Published in The Daily National Courier, October, 17 2022

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