Rapper Psy (Psy's official Facebook)

By Lee Jihae

K-pop singer and rapper Psy on June 20 in Paris will promote Busan's bid to host the 2030 World Expo at the general assembly of the International Bureau of Expositions (BIE).

Korean media including Yonhap News quoted a source at the presidential office as saying Psy will speak at the presentation of the competing nations at the event.

President Yoon Suk Yeol will also attend the general assembly.

"Korea has become a global leader in soft power," the source said. "We will present (at the BIE general assembly) the Republic of Korea's unique vision of a sustainable global village that coexists with the world."

Psy will be Korea's first speaker at the presentation, which will be attended by all 179 BIE member states.

As a world-famous Hallyu star with a dynamic image like Busan's, he is expected to greatly boost the city's bid. 

Busan is competing with Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Rome and Odesa, Ukraine, for the hosting rights. The winning city will be announced on Nov. 28.

Released in July 2012, the music video for Psy's "Gangnam Style" has 4.8 billion views on YouTube.

jihlee08@korea.kr