BTS to reunite for free concert in South Korea

K-pop boy band BTS is reuniting on Saturday for a concert in the southern port city of Busan, which the city and the South Korean government hope will help win a bid to host the World Expo 2030.

Titled ‘BTS Yet To Come in Busan,’ the free concert is set to take place at 6 p.m. local time and is expected draw about 100,000 fans to the stadium and designated areas in Busan, over 300 kilometers (190 miles) southeast of capital Seoul, according to Busan’s metropolitan authorities.

The concert comes after the seven-member band announced a break in June from group musical activities to pursue solo projects, raising questions about the band’s future.

With BTS’ oldest member, Jin, who is turning 30 next year, facing South Korea’s mandatory military service, the country’s defense minister said in August that BTS might still be able to perform overseas while serving in the military.

Under a 2019 revision of the law, globally recognized 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 fulfill their duties as part of efforts to defend against nuclear-armed North Korea.

Four countries – South Korea, Italy, Ukraine and Saudi Arabia – have submitted competing candidatures to organize World Expo 2030, according to the expo organizing body Bureau International des Expositions. The host country of the World Expo 2030 is expected to be elected next year.

In July, BTS were made official ambassadors for the World Expo 2030 in Busan.

BTS made their debut in June 2013 and became a worldwide sensation with upbeat hits and social campaigns aimed at empowering young people.

Last year, BTS became the first Asian band to win artist of the year at the American Music Awards. The group met US President Joe Biden at the White House in May to discuss hate crimes targeting Asians.