Actor Lee Dong Wook and SHINee singer Minho were chosen as the first Olympic friends for the Winter Youth Olympic Games Gangwon 2024. This esteemed appointment recognizes their valuable contributions to the Games and their influential roles in South Korea’s entertainment industry. Let’s explore Lee Dong Wook and SHINee Minho’s roles in this highly anticipated event more.
Gangwon 2024 Appoints Lee Dong Wook and SHINee Minho as “Olympic Friends”
The province of Gangwon in the Republic of Korea is set to host the 4th Winter Youth Olympic Games in 2024. The sports event aims to unite global youth, using sports to celebrate peace and unity. The goal is to foster a shared objective for a brighter future.
The 4th Winter Youth Olympic Games in Gangwon will take place on January 19 – February 1, 2024. With participation from over 80 countries, the event is set to attract approximately 1,900 athletes. This makes it the most significant Winter Youth Olympic Games to date.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has introduced a new program called Olympic Friends. It aims to involve prominent figures from various fields outside of sports in promoting the Olympic Movement and its values.
“Olympic Friends”
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has chosen two iconic South Korean celebrities to be Olympic friends for Gangwon 2024. They are actor Lee Dong Wook and an idol-actor Minho from the popular Kpop group SHINee. These talented stars act as honorary volunteers and torch bearers for the forthcoming Olympic Games.
Lee Dong Wook
Lee Dong Wook, the famous 42-year-old actor, is no stranger to sports events. Standing 185 cm tall, he previously served as an ambassador for the Winter Olympics and Paralympics PyeongChang 2018. In Gangwon 2024, the top actor took on a special role as an honorary volunteer in the volunteer inauguration ceremony. The “50 Days to Go” event ceremony took place on December 4, 2023.
Citing from the official website of the Olympics, Lee Dong Wook stated:
“The Olympic Games practice the values of excellence, friendship, and respect. In addition, the Youth Olympic Games help youth come together to compete, learn, and share. I hope Gangwon 2024 will be a festival where athletes and all young people can enjoy culture and sport.”
Lee Dong Wook
The “A Shop for Killers” star is a food enthusiast, but he follows a strict diet to reduce his calorie intake. He spends two to three hours daily working out while not filming to maintain his fit physique. His daily routine includes waking up, having breakfast, and prioritizing exercise as an essential part of his daily schedule.
SHINee Minho
Minho, a well-known Kpop figure from SHINee, excels in sports and enjoys them during his free time. The 32-year-old idol actor keeps fit and maintains his health through regular exercise. Minho is also known for supporting various sports organizations and events at the international, regional, and national levels.
Before PyeongChang 2018, the “New Normal” actor participated in an event with then-U.S. First Lady Melania Trump to inspire more female students to engage in sports. At Gangwon 2024, the singer played a significant role as a torchbearer in Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, on December 5, 2023.
Gangwon Metaverse Visual 2024 and Special Postage Stamp
In addition to promoting sports for a healthy body and spirit, Gangwon Olympic Games has introduced “Gangwon 2024 Metaverse Visual.” It is an innovative virtual platform for the Winter Youth Olympic Games that can be accessed by youth worldwide. The metaverse offers a virtual Olympic world where global users can explore venues, play mini-games, and compete with others, enhancing the Games experience for youth who cannot attend in person.
Additionally, South Korea has issued a commemorative Korean postage stamp for the 2024 Gangwon Winter Youth Olympic Games, which holds value for collectors who are philatelist enthusiasts.
Finally, you can attend the Gangwon 2024 events for free (except for opening and closing ceremonies). However, you can reserve your tickets through the Olympic official website to guarantee your spot.
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