Yeosu World Island Exhibition faces audit over budget and content

During a National Assembly audit of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, lawmakers criticized the preparation and content quality of the 2026 Yeosu World Island Exhibition. Concerns were raised regarding the project's budget, which reportedly surged from an initial 24.77 billion won to 723.8 billion won.

Representative Jin Jong-oh questioned whether the Ministry would take responsibility if the exhibition suffered from mismanagement similar to the Saemangeum Jamboree. He also highlighted perceived inadequacies in exhibition content, noting specific instances of low-cost or poorly produced displays.

Minister of the Interior and Safety Yoon Ho-jung responded that projects approved by the International Event Review Committee are exempt from certain investment reviews. While addressing the quality concerns, Yoon stated that if an audit is deemed necessary, it will be conducted after the exhibition concludes on November 4.