Kang Seongjong, Shinhan University President, Proposes Bid for '2035 DMZ World Expo' in Paris

Met with BIE secretary-general to discuss vision for peace and coexistence
Introduced project linked to Seoul World Youth Day
Joins Paris international study abroad fair to recruit international students

Kang Seongjong, president of Shinhan University, visited the headquarters of the International Bureau of Expositions (BIE) in Paris, France, and proposed a bid to host the 2035 DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) World Expo. The initiative aims to transform the DMZ, a symbol of division, into a place of reconciliation and coexistence.

Shinhan University President Kang Seong-jong (right) at an official meeting with BIE Secretary General Dimitri Kerkentzes at the BIE office in Paris, France. Courtesy of Shinhan University.

According to Shinhan University on October 10, President Kang met with BIE Secretary General Dimitri Kerkentzes at the BIE headquarters in Paris on October 7 local time to discuss the DMZ World Expo concept and ways to foster international cooperation.

"If past expos in Paris ushered in an era of human progress, the DMZ Expo will be a historic turning point that ushers in an era of peace for the world," President Kang said, sharing his vision of creating the DMZ as a platform for reconciliation and coexistence among people around the world.

Shinhan University said Secretary General Kerkentzes expressed support for the purpose and future value of the proposal. The two sides exchanged views on the value of peace to be advanced through the World Expo and ways to build international solidarity in support of it.

President Kang also introduced a DMZ peace project linked to the 2027 Seoul World Youth Day (WYD). The initiative aims to lay the foundation for sustained peace cooperation through the participation of young people from around the world and cultural and artistic exchanges.

Shinhan University will also recruit international students during its visit to Paris. From October 10 to 11, it will participate as an officially invited institution in the L'Etudiant International Study Abroad Fair, France's largest education event, held at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles.

At the fair, the university will introduce its specialized curricula and global talent development system, and promote K-culture as well as Korea's cultural, historical, and tourism resources. It will provide local young people with information about studying in Korea and career opportunities, focusing on the performing arts, beauty, design, media, and content.

Shinhan University plans to use this visit as an opportunity to expand its public diplomacy efforts by linking peace projects with higher education and cultural exchange.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.