Busan Shows the World its Charms through Busking in Paris!
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- PR promotion in support of the World Expo 2030 Busan bid at major landmarks in Paris, France
Busan Shows the World its Charms through Busking in Paris!
Busan announced that a successful three-day run of busking (street performances), performed in Paris, France from June 19 to June 21, ended with enthusiastic responses from local residents.
The busking, held on the occasion of the 172nd General Assembly of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), took place at the Place du Trocadéro and on a bridge over the Seine River to promote World Expo 2030 Busan.
For three days, Busan buskers performed modern and traditional content, ensuring Hallyu, or “Korean Wave” reached the heart of Europe. Indeed, locals responded positively, even as buskers performed in less-than-ideal weather conditions.
Viewers eagerly took photos and videos, even after the busking had finished. To better connect with Parisians, performers spoke about the purpose of their visit in both French and English, elevating Busan’s PR efforts and enhancing the city's brand as it bids to host the World Expo.
On June 19 and June 21, local time, the Hwasumok Band wore traditional hanbok (Korean traditional dress) and hair adornments while performing a fusion of Korean classical music. The band played traditional Korean instruments such as the haegeum and gayageum and Western classical instruments including the cello and piano. Local crowds cheered and applauded as the musical act began playing “Aux Champs-Elysées,“ a classic French song. Audiences were also treated to Besame Mucho and Arirang, a Korean folk song.
At the Place du Trocadéro on June 21, local time, the French dance crew RISIN’ showed off their talent while wearing t-shirts publicizing Busan’s World Expo bid. RISIN’’s set included K-pop and ‘random play dance’. With about 490,000 subscribers on YouTube, the dance troupe’s passionate performance has a wide reach. Additionally, Busan City Hall posted live videos and up-to-date photos on Instagram, blogs, and the Expo bid’s website for people to view online. This further helped to make the city’s efforts truly global.
Busan Mayor Park Heong-joon remarked, “We used Hallyu, which is popular all over Europe, to deliver Busan’s charms and convey our eagerness to host the World Expo in 2030. I expect the PR activities fascinated BIE member countries’ representatives in Paris, France.” Mayor Park also said, “Through enthusiastic efforts and passionate support at home and abroad, we will strive to show Busan’s potential until decision day arrives.”
Busan is also further connecting with Europe by advertising its World Expo endeavors on 150 taxis in Paris, five double-decker buses in London, and 12 trams in Brussels.
