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K-pop band BTS (short for Bangtan Boys) reunited in Busan on Saturday as they performed at a concert as a show of support for South Korea’s bid to host the World Expo in 2030.
A free BTS concert was held in Busan, South Korea that gathered an audience of about 52,000 people according to Yonhap News Agency.
On Saturday, the Busan Metropolitan City’s authorities said that 100,000 visitors were expected to come to the stadium and other areas. Some would watch the event live on large screens set up in numerous locations around Busan.
The seven-member band announced they were going on a break in June to pursue solo projects, which led some to speculate that their musical endeavors are over.
South Korea’s defense minister announced in August that BTS may be able to continue performing while doing their military service. BTS member Jin will turn 30 next year, meaning he’ll have to go in service then.
Hundreds of fans line up, from the buses to the concert grounds, just for a chance to catch a glimpse of their favorite Korean pop stars.
In 2019, the law of South Korea changed. The new revisions let globally recognized K-pop stars defer military service until they turn 30. Military service has been a hotly debated topic in South Korea and under the law, all men aged between 18 and 28 who are capable must serve their country.
BTS leader RM said to their fans, “We will overcome anything that happens to us and perform with you guys in the future.” He didn’t elaborate further.
Four countries – South Korea, Italy, Ukraine and Saudi Arabia – have submitted their qualifications to host World Expo 2030. The host country of the World Expo 2030 will be elected in 2020.
In July, BTS were announced as ambassadors for the World Expo, occurring over 300 km away from Seoul.
BTS released its first music video, “No More Dream,” in June 2013. The young K-pop artists have since made a name for themselves with their catchy, upbeat tunes and social media campaigns, which encourage youth empowerment.
Last year, BTS became the first award-winning Asian band to be recognized at the American Music Awards. The group met with US President Joe Biden in May to discuss hate crimes against Asians.
