The Second Vice Minister KIM Dae-hyun of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) will visit the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 (“Milano Cortina 2026”) from February 19 (Thursday) to February 23 (Monday) to encourage the Korean athletes and ensure that on-site support runs smoothly through the end of the Games.

To Visit the Olympic Village, Meal Support Centers, and Other Korean Team Support Facilities

On February 20, Vice Minister will visit the Milano Cortina Olympic Village to meet athletes preparing for their final training sessions and competitions and encourage them to perform at their best through the closing stages of the Games. He will also examine whether there are any gaps in support and encourage the support staff members, who have been working tirelessly on the ground since before the Games, to continue fulfilling their duties through the end of the event.

On February 21, he will visit the meal support centers, which support Korean athletes’ local adaptation and nutrition management. Given the positive reception the on-site Korean lunch boxes have received from the athletes, the vice minister will express gratitude to the meal support center staff who have quietly and dedicatedly served behind the scenes.

To Cheer at the Korean Team Events and Attend the Athlete Appreciation Ceremony and the Closing Ceremony

In addition, Vice Minister will visit the competition venues to cheer on the Korean athletes. On February 20 and 21, he will watch short track speed skating and speed skating events, cheering enthusiastically for the Korean national team athletes. On February 21, he will also attend Team Korea’s farewell ceremony and the “Athletes’ Night” event to recognize the dedication of the athletes and officials who gave their all throughout the Games. On February 22, the final day of the Games, he will travel to Verona to attend the Closing Ceremony of Milano Cortina 2026 as the government representative. In front of a global audience, he plans to celebrate the achievements of the Korean national team and applaud the athletes who turned their sweat and hard work into success.

Vice Minister KIM stated, “I will carefully oversee the on-site conditions to ensure that our athletes can compete in the best possible environment and safely conclude the Games without injuries.” He added, “Through these Games, we have witnessed the growth of emerging athletes and the enduring strength of veteran athletes. I extend my deepest gratitude to all Team Korea members who have delivered such inspiration to the Korean people.”