The Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism PARK Bo Gyoon visited major venues, including the Gangneung Oval, which is the opening ceremony site for the 2024 Winter Youth Olympic Games (opening on January 19, 2024) on September 3 (Sun) to check and inspect the preparations for the event.

Starting today, The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) in collaboration with the Gangwon 2024 Winter Youth Olympic Games Organising Committee (YOGOC) and Gangwon Province, will launch a 100-day relay promotional campaign with the catchphrase “GW 2024, Shine Together!” Legendary athletes KIM Yuna (Honorary ambassador for Gangwon 2024), LEE Sang Hwa (Co-President of the YOGOC), and CHOI Min Jeong (Honorary ambassador for Gangwon 2024) will lead the relay promotion. In addition, MCST will conduct final concentrated inspections to maintain and upgrade the competition facilities and preparations for the event.

Minister PARK said, “Gangwon 2024 will set a new paradigm for world sporting competitions, going beyond the PyeongChang 2018 achievement. We have confirmed the dedication and determination to meticulously inspect, maintain, and upgrade the facilities from PyeongChang 2018. I am confident in our commitment to giving our all in the preparations until the very end. Gangwon Province has a rich tradition, experience, and passion accumulated from successfully hosting events, including PyeongChang 2018 and the 17th World Scout Jamboree in Goseong. The MCST, YOGOC, and Gangwon Province, with a ‘one-team spirit,’ will do the utmost to ensure the success of the Gangwon 2024, together with the people of Korea, Gangwon Province residents, and future generations.”

In response to a reporter’s question about concerns related to the World Scout Jamboree at Saemangeum, Minister PARK responded, “Gangwon Province has the DNA of success. Just as many people, including event organizers and residents, have confidence, there will be no disappointing moments like the early stages of the Saemangeum event in Gangwon 2024.”

On that day, the on-site inspection was attended by JIN Jong Oh, Co-President of the YOGOC; KIM Chul Min, General Secretary of the YOGOC; JEONG Kwang Yeol, Deputy Governor of Economic Affairs of Gangwon; and KIM Hong Kyu, Mayor of Gangneung.

Preparation status for the event was inspected and maintenance work is expected to be completed in early October

Minister PARK inspected the venues and major facilities at the speed skating venue and curling center in Gangneung. The competition venues for Gangwon 2024 are using the existing facilities from PyeongChang 2018. Maintenance work is currently underway, and the remaining tasks are being expedited to be completed in October and handed over to the YOGOC.

A YOGOC representative explained that in cooperation with Gangwon Province, YOCOG are thoroughly preparing the core facilities of Gangwon 2024, including ice sports venues in Gangneung and snow sports venues in Pyeongchang, Jeongseon, and Hoengseong, to provide an environment and facilities where young athletes can fully showcase their capabilities. HWANG Ji Young, the director in charge of the opening ceremony, stated, “The previous Winter Youth Olympic Games Lausanne 2020 held its opening ceremony indoors, but we will prepare for a more magnificent and captivating ceremony.”

The kickoff event for the promotional relay took place with Team KIM, KIM Joo Won, and PARK Jae Min

Following the on-site inspection, the Gangwon 2024 promotional relay kickoff event took place. Curler KIM Eun Jung, who made history at PyeongChang 2018, and the other members of Team Kim joined the event to wish for its success. Gangwon 2024 honorary ambassadors KIM Joo Won (ballerina) and PARK Jae Min (actor) were also in attendance.

The participants chanted slogans “Shine together, Gangwon together, Moongcho together” and expressed their full commitment to support Gangwon 2024 in becoming a fantastic and captivating event that goes beyond the PyeongChang 2018.