Gangwon 2024: South Korean stars Lee Dong-wook and SHINee's Minho appointed first ‘Olympic™ friends’
Actor Lee Dong-wook and K-pop singer Minho have been appointed by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and will serve as honorary volunteers and torch bearers for the Winter Youth Olympic Games Gangwon 2024.
Actor Lee Dong-wook and SHINee singer Minho have been selected as the first Olympic™ friends for the Winter Youth Olympic Games Gangwon 2024.
Olympic friends is a new programme created by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to allow famous figures from outside of the sporting world to join the Olympic Movement and spread the Olympic values.
Lee Dong-wook is no stranger to the Games, however, having served as an ambassador for the Winter Olympics and Paralympics PyeongChang 2018. He is an actor who promotes K-culture around the world through his movies, boasting 17 million followers on Instagram.
SHINee's Minho, one of K-pop’s best-known figures, is a keen sportsman in his leisure time and often emphasises the benefits of exercise in interviews.
Ahead of PyeongChang 2018, he attended an event with then-U.S. First Lady Melania Trump to encourage more female students to participate in sport.
Former US First Lady Melania Trump and Shinee's Choi Min-ho wave at an event at the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics
In terms of their individual roles at Gangwon 2024, Lee was an honorary volunteer at the volunteer inauguration ceremony held ahead of the 50 Days to Go event on 4 December, while Minho took part as a torch runner in Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, a day later.
“The Olympic Games practise the values of excellence, friendship, and respect. In addition, the Youth Olympic Games help young people learn to compete, learn, and share together. I hope Gangwon 2024 will be a festival where not only athletes but all young people can enjoy culture and sports,” Lee said.
Gangwon 2024 will be held from 19 January to 1 February next year, and is Asia's first Winter Youth Olympic Games.
Many of the facilities will be reused as part of the Pyeongchang 2018 legacy.
In addition to promoting sports as a method of achieving a healthy body and spirit, cultural and educational programmes will expand the young athletes' experience at the Games.
It is expected to be the largest winter YOG ever with over 1,900 athletes from over 80 countries participating.
Tickets can be purchased on the event website here. Admission to all events except the Opening Ceremony is free, but spectators must apply for admission tickets in advance.