Busan Expo Failure: Saudi Monarchy’s Influence and Financial Voting Disappoint

Busan Expo Failure: Saudi Monarchy’s Strengthening and Financial Voting Lead to Disappointment

The failure of the Busan Expo can be attributed to the strengthening of the Saudi monarchy and the influence of financial voting, according to Professor Kim Itae, who was involved in advising the 2030 Busan Expo. He analyzed that the Saudi government’s efforts to divert the attention of the Korean people and strengthen its power through various mega events were the cause of the unsuccessful bid.

During the 173rd General Assembly of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) held in Paris, the decision to host the Expo in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, was announced. Riyadh secured the hosting rights for the 2030 World Expo by obtaining 119 votes from BIE member countries, surpassing Busan (29 votes) and Rome, Italy (17 votes).

Professor Kim Itae also claims that Saudi Arabia secured votes through “financial voting” by investing over 10 trillion won in underdeveloped countries and providing significant development aid and funding. He believes that this financial influence played a significant role in Riyadh’s victory.

External Factors and Regional Distribution of Votes

In addition to external factors such as the conflict between the United States and China and the ongoing Ukraine war, the global geopolitical situation and economic difficulties also influenced the outcome of the Busan Expo bidding process. Professor Kim mentioned that the regional distribution of votes, although not mandatory, tends to favor certain regions, which may have worked against Busan’s bid.

The failure to attract the Busan Expo primarily reflects the strengthening of the Saudi royal family’s financial influence as an external factor. Despite strategic efforts by the Korean government, Busan city, and related companies, Riyadh emerged as the winner, leaving Busan disappointed.

Complex Factors at Play

The failure to attract the Busan Expo is not solely a reflection of internal shortcomings but also the result of Saudi Arabia’s strategic tactics to enhance its national image through external influences and economic reforms. The strong financial power and disruptive tactics of Saudi Arabia played a significant role in securing public support, highlighting the vulnerability of underdeveloped countries to external influences.

The conflict between the United States and China and the ongoing Ukraine war contributed to the overall instability of the global geopolitical landscape and the economic difficulties faced by countries. These factors added to the challenges encountered by nations during the bidding process.

Looking Ahead

Despite the disappointment, the Korean government expressed its determination to manage the diplomatic network built during the Expo bidding process and utilize it as a future opportunity. The failure to attract the Busan Expo emphasizes the need for adaptability and resilience in the face of rapidly changing international dynamics.

As the world continues to navigate through evolving international relations, the Busan Expo failure serves as a reminder of the influence of external factors and the importance of economic reforms in enhancing a country’s image. The Korean government’s commitment to leveraging the diplomatic network established during the bidding process demonstrates their intent to turn this disappointment into future prospects.

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