BTS to perform in South Korea to aid World Expo bid

SEOUL, July 11 (UPI) -- Fans of South Korean boy group BTS will be able to see its seven members perform together this October, although they recently opted to pursue solo careers.

The K-pop group will play in Busan to support the port city's bid to host the World Expo in 2030, BTS's label, Big Hit Music, said Thursday.

The announcement comes a month after BTS members disclosed their decision in a video to suspend performing as a group and seek solo careers.

BTS member J-Hope plans to drop his first solo album, Jack in the Box, this month. Other members are also expected to follow suit.

The October concert might be the last group performance of the septet for awhile, as member Jin is not allowed to defer his military service beyond this year.

Big Hit Music also said the bid committee would designate the seven-member boy band as public relations ambassador for the Busan World Expo 2030.

"BTS will hold a global concert in Busan in October to let the world know the city's willingness to host the 2030 World Expo," Big Hit Music said in a statement.

South Korea's government and conglomerates have put forth great efforts to underpin Busan's bid to host the 2030 event. SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won is leading the charge.

The World Expo is one of the largest global gatherings, along with the Olympics and the World Cup.

Several countries besides South Korea are vying to host the event, including Italy, Ukraine, Russia and Saudi Arabia. The winner will be announced next year.