South Korea recently hosted the World Scout Jamboree in North Jeolla Province, aiming to showcase its capacity to manage grand international events. However, the jamboree faced numerous challenges. Extreme heat and humidity affected hundreds of scouts. Issues arose from inadequate infrastructure and sanitation concerns. A typhoon’s arrival didn’t help matters, nor did the site itself: a sprawling, mosquito-riddled expanse of swampy, reclaimed land.

Amid streams of negative press coverage of the event, South Korea now faces questions about its global reputation and the viability of its ambitions, such as its bid for the 2030 World Expo.