Lee Jae-hu KBS Announcer Mentions 'Non-Disabled Olympics' at Closing Ceremony
Reminds of Paralympics Held After Olympics
"Paralympic Athletes Are Also Proud National Representatives" Receives Netizens' Support
Lee Jae-hoo, KBS announcer (left), is delivering the closing remarks for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. / Photo by KBS Broadcasting Capture
[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Juhyung] "This concludes all broadcasts of the 32nd Tokyo Non-Disabled Olympics."
On the 8th, when the closing ceremony broadcast of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics was wrapping up, the final remark by the KBS broadcast team became a hot topic online. By referring to the Tokyo Olympics as the 'Non-Disabled Olympics,' it reminded viewers of the upcoming Paralympics (Disabled Olympics), earning praise for its thoughtful approach.
KBS announcer Lee Jaehoo, while concluding the closing ceremony, said, "To all viewers who clenched their fists and breathed alongside the athletes every moment, you were the world's greatest sports fans," adding, "You are the gold medalists among Olympic viewers."
He continued, "This concludes all broadcasts of the 32nd Tokyo Non-Disabled Olympics by Korean Broadcasting System (KBS)."
This remark sparked reactions on social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook, as well as various online communities. It was regarded as a considerate statement that reminded people of the Paralympics following the Olympics.
On the afternoon of the 29th of last month, the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics South Korean national team pledge ceremony was held at the Icheon Athlete Village of the Korea Disabled Sports Federation in Icheon-si, Gyeonggi-do. Photo by Yonhap News
One netizen commented, "I like KBS's Olympic closing remark," adding, "We must never forget that national representatives also participate in the Paralympics." Another netizen said, "Whether non-disabled or disabled, all are proud athletes representing our country," and expressed hope that "citizens will maintain their interest until the end, and broadcasters will do their best in coverage."
This was not the first time the announcer mentioned the 'Non-Disabled Olympics.' Previously, during the closing remarks of the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics broadcast, he said, "To the viewers who clenched their fists and breathed alongside the athletes every moment, you were the best sports fans," and added, "This concludes the broadcast of the 23rd Pyeongchang Non-Disabled Winter Olympics."
Meanwhile, the Paralympics is an international multi-sport event for athletes with physical, visual, or sensory disabilities. It originated in mid-20th century Britain as a sports event for the rehabilitation of war veterans, and took a major step as an international competition with the 1960 Rome Paralympic Games in Italy.
Since the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the joint hosting of the Olympics and Paralympics has been formalized.
The 2020 Tokyo Paralympics is scheduled to take place from August 24 to September 5. It will feature 22 sports and 540 events, with the Korean national team fielding 86 athletes in 14 sports including archery, athletics, and badminton.
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