Lee: "BTS concert was decisive in promoting the Republic of Korea...planning was excellent"

[Financial News] President Lee Jae Myung commented on the BTS (Bangtan Boys) concert held over the weekend, saying, "This BTS concert seems to have been decisive in promoting Gwanghwamun and, more broadly, the Republic of Korea (ROK)."
Lee made the remarks at the 11th State Council of South Korea meeting, held at the main building of Cheong Wa Dae after hearing a tourism trend report from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST). He went on to say, "You planned it well and carried it out well," adding, "The Ministry of the Interior and Safety and other related ministries also worked hard. You managed safety issues thoroughly, and the fact that there were no accidents was a great outcome."
Earlier, MCST Minister Choi Hwi-young reported on the BTS concert, stating, "Through the live broadcast, the eyes of young people around the world were drawn to the very center of Seoul, Gwanghwamun. In terms of our national brand and the global spread of K-culture, I believe we gained an immeasurable benefit." In response, Lee Jae Myung said, "I think so as well," and assessed, "It seems to have played a truly major role in promoting the Republic of Korea (ROK)."
Minister Choi also explained that tourism indicators have been positive since the concert. He said, "Compared with the same period last year, the number of visitors increased more in February than in January, and then rose even further in March," adding, "In March, inbound tourists increased by about 31% year-on-year, and the growth rate among those in their teens and twenties is higher than the overall average." He added, "We are seeing clear positive effects in attracting foreign tourists as K-culture spreads."
Lee Jae Myung responded, "Now many people will come to Gwanghwamun," again highlighting the ripple effect the concert has had on the image of Gwanghwamun and the country as a whole.
west@fnnews.com Reporter Seong Seok-woo Reporter