South Korea rallied after a powerful tropical storm, Khanun, wreaked havoc across the country's southern and eastern regions. In response, the government organized a massive K-Pop concert in Seoul for 40,000 Scouts whose World Scout Jamboree had been disrupted by the weather. The concert was quickly put together as the closing event of the Jamboree and featured performances from popular girl groups NewJeans and Ive.

The storm, with its intense rains and winds, forced thousands to evacuate and tragically resulted in one fatality. Before the storm hit, organisers had already been grappling with issues such as a punishing heatwave and hygiene problems, which led many British and American Scouts to leave the campsite early.

This was a setback for South Korea, which had been eagerly seeking the recognition and positive publicity that comes with hosting international events. Despite the challenges, Friday's concert brought joy and excitement to the Scouts. South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo expressed his apologies for the difficulties they had faced due to the heatwave and typhoon triggered by climate change.

The Scouts, dressed in their vibrant and multicolored uniforms, filled the seats of the Seoul World Cup Stadium and enthusiastically roared in excitement throughout the concert. While the storm had weakened by the time it reached Seoul, it caused significant damage in other areas.

Workers in cities like Incheon and Daegu responded to flooded homes and collapsed walls. Emergency workers in the seaside cities of Gangneung and Sokcho in Gangwon province waded through rivers of thigh-high water. Despite these challenges, South Korea has made progress in the aftermath of the storm.

Most commercial flights and train services have resumed, and power has been restored to the majority of households affected by the storm. The Ministry of the Interior and Safety reported that around 11,400 people who were initially forced to evacuate have been able to return home. The storm damaged or destroyed numerous roads and buildings, and access to nearly 700 motorways was restricted due to the ongoing rain.

The full extent of the storm's impact on North Korea is still unclear, as the country has not provided detailed reports. However, state media has previously detailed efforts to strengthen infrastructure and protect vital assets in response to such natural disasters. Amid the cleanup and recovery efforts, the K-Pop concert served as a symbol of resilience and unity.

It provided a much-needed moment of joy and entertainment for the young Scouts, who have been enduring challenging conditions. South Korea's ability to swiftly organize and execute such a large-scale event showcases its dedication to promoting global goodwill and showcasing its vibrant cultural scene. In addition to the concert, the UK Scouts who had to evacuate the original Jamboree site in Saemangeum were able to continue their activities in Seoul with the support of the British Embassy.

The Scouts explored Korean culture, visited iconic landmarks, and engaged in cultural exchanges with fellow Scouts from around the world. Despite the setback, the Jamboree journey continued, highlighting the resilience and adaptability of the Scouts and their commitment to learning and collaboration. Overall, the K-Pop concert and the ongoing activities for the Scouts demonstrate South Korea's determination to provide a memorable and positive experience despite the challenges posed by the storm.

The country's ability to bounce back and create an uplifting environment for the Scouts is a testament to its commitment to international collaboration and cultural exchange, even in the face of adversity.