Go to contents

‘Torch lighting should draw attention to Olympics,’ says Moon

‘Torch lighting should draw attention to Olympics,’ says Moon

Posted October. 25, 2017 08:00,   

Updated October. 25, 2017 08:17

한국어

“The PyeongChang 2018 Torch lighting ceremony should be an opportunity to attract national interest towards the upcoming Olympic Games and create a rave for the event,” said President Moon Jae-in in a cabinet meeting on Tuesday.

“We are 108 days away from the Olympics. The International Olympic Committee positively assessed the current progress we have made for the PyeongChang Olympics and Paralympics,” said Moon. “However, ticket sales are at around only 30 percent, which demonstrates lack of national interest.”

“The Olympic flame will make a week-long tour in Greece and arrive in Korea on Wednesday. It will be carried across the country by 7,500 people for 101 days,” said President Moon. “All government departments should come together with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism at the center to carry out systematic and organizational promotions.”

“I would kindly ask you to exercise good leadership so that the United Nations Olympic Truce Resolution can be adopted and the PyeongChang Olympic Games can succeed,” Prime Minister Lee Nak-yeon stated during his visit in Greece. “I hope more Korean members can serve at the International Olympic Committee. Currently we have only one IOC member.”

Prime Minister Lee had a series of meetings with the Olympic Committee chairmen of the United States, China and Japan, and asked heads of state including U.S. President Donald Trump to attend in the upcoming Olympic Games in Korea.

In the meanwhile, IOC President Thomas Bach said that the organization is exerting efforts through various channels to make North Korea participate in the PyeongChang Olympics.



Keun-Hyung Yoo noel@donga.com