Record-breaking K-pop group BTS are reuniting for a concert on Saturday in South Korea's southern port city of Busan, which is bidding to host the World Expo 2030.
Titled BTS in Busan, the free concert is set to take place at 6pm local time (1pm in the UAE) and is expected draw about 100,000 fans to the Busan Asiad Main Stadium as well as designated areas in Busan, which is more than 300 kilometres south-east of capital Seoul.
The concert comes after the seven-piece band announced a break in June from group musical activities to pursue solo projects, raising questions about their future.
With BTS's oldest member, Jin, who is turning 30 next year, facing South Korea's mandatory military service, the country's defence minister said in August that BTS might still be able to perform overseas while serving in the military.
Under South Korean law, all able-bodied men are required to perform 18 to 21 months of military service. The law provides special exemptions for athletes, classical and traditional musicians, and ballet and other dancers who have won top prizes in certain competitions that enhance national prestige. Globally recognised K-pop stars were allowed to put off their service until 30.
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BTS performed a four-day residency in Las Vegas back in April with their Permission To Dance On Stage show. All Photos: BigHit Music -
The performances took place in the near-65,000-capacity Allegiant Stadium. -
Tickets for all four concerts sold out before they went on sale to the general public. -
The final show on April 16 was live-streamed online. -
J-Hope during the BTS Permission To Dance On Stage show in Las Vegas. -
Jimin during the concert in Las Vegas. -
Jin during the show. -
Jungkook performing as part of the show. -
RM performing during the concert. -
Suga dancing during the concert. -
V performs during the concert.
Four countries, including South Korea, Italy, Ukraine and Saudi Arabia, have submitted competing candidatures to organise World Expo 2030, according to the organising body Bureau International des Expositions. The winning host country is expected to be elected next year.
While announcing his country's bid last year, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman said the 2030 World Expo in Riyadh would coincide with the culmination of the kingdom’s Vision 2030, an initiative that aims to move the country away from oil and diversify its economy.
“We live in an era of change and we face an unprecedented need for humanity’s collective action. It is clear that the whole world, as a collective, needs to work together to foresee the future and address, with its brightest minds, the challenges and opportunities that emanate from this change," he said.
Expo 2030 will take place from October 1, 2030, to April 1, 2031. The theme proposed by Saudi Arabia is “The era of change: leading the planet to a foresighted tomorrow".
Dubai hosted Expo 2020 from October 2021 to March 2022, delayed by a year owing to the Covid-19 pandemic.
In July, BTS were named as the official ambassadors for the World Expo 2030 in Busan.
BTS made their debut in June 2013 and became a worldwide sensation with their upbeat hits and social campaigns aimed at empowering young people.
— Additional reporting by Reuters
Fans queue for BTS pop-up shop in Dubai — in pictures
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Fans of record-breaking K-pop group BTS queued up at the opening of the official BTS Pop-Up: Space of BTS shop in BurJuman mall in Dubai. All photos: Antonie Robertson / The National -
The shop, dedicated to all things BTS, is brought to the UAE by Hybe, the septet's record label. -
Inside, fans will be able to buy official merchandise inspired by BTS songs over the years. -
There are also products from TinyTan, animated characters inspired by BTS members. -
Figurines from the TineTan collection. -
Shop assistants, dressed in purple, the official colour of BTS, help customers. -
The pop-up shop will remain open until December 8. -
Inside the shop, fans have their pick of everything BTS, from branded T-shirts to hoodies, bags and sweat pants. -
TinyTan characters at the shop. -
BTS accessories at the shop. -
BTS Pop-Up: Space of BTS is located on Level 1 of BurJuman Mall in Dubai. -
A shop assistant at the pop-up. -
BTS Pop-Up: Space of BTS has been a huge success in other parts of the world, spawning long queues of fans who proudly call themselves the Army. The Dubai shop is the first time the pop-up has come to the Middle East.
