The inauguration ceremony of "Beyond Busan," a group of university student supporters who have been collecting signatures in support of the "Global Hub City Special Act," embodying the aspirations of Busan citizens, was held at the "Blockchain Week in Busan 2025 (BWB 2025)." The event coincided with the unveiling of "VIVABU," the new official character of the Busan Digital Asset Exchange (Bdan), further highlighting the symbolic message toward Busan's future.
BWB 2025, which opened on the 22nd, began with a performance by approximately 400 Beyond Busan university student supporters, who entered the event carrying pickets and flags calling for the passage of the Global Hub City Special Act. Last year's BWB 2024 saw approximately 200 university student supporters participate. Beyond Busan is known as the nation's largest university student network, bringing together all universities in the Busan area. At the event, Bidan recognized Beyond Busan as a key talent and valuable human asset that will drive Busan's future growth.
The Global Hub City Special Act, co-sponsored by all National Assembly members representing Busan, stipulates various special provisions for the development of a globally competitive global hub city. The legislative intent is to promote balanced regional development and strengthen national competitiveness by establishing an innovation hub in the southern region. If passed, the bill would create five special zones in Busan, including an international logistics special zone and a financial special zone, and would provide unprecedented institutional support, including tax-free, regulation-free, and visa-free policies. Beyond Busan has been consistently conducting a citizen signature campaign to raise awareness of the need for this special law, resulting in over 13,000 signatures from Busan citizens last year.
On this day, Bidan unveiled its new official character, "Viva Bu," alongside the Beyond Busan launch ceremony. "VIVA" is a Spanish exclamation meaning "alive," "powerful," and "forward," symbolizing a positive message to be shouted out in moments of change and challenge. "BU" signifies wealth, while also encompassing the English spelling of Busan, "Bu," and the initials "B" of blockchain and Bitcoin. The on-site evaluations indicated that the Beyond Busan launch ceremony and the unveiling of the Viva Bu character, combined, conveyed both anticipation and hope for Busan's future.
Kim Sang-min, CEO of Bidan, who oversaw the planning of the Bibabu character, said, “Bibaboo will be a medium that can approach blockchain and digital finance in a friendly manner for those who find it difficult,” and added, “I hope that people of all ages and genders will naturally understand the changes and possibilities of the digital age and grow together.”
Meanwhile, Silk plans to present various content on the topic of digital assets and blockchain using the Vivabu character in the future.
