O Se-hoon Attending Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony: "Hope to See Meaningful Results"

Watching the Opening Ceremony Held at the Seine River

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon attended the Olympic opening ceremony held in Paris, France.

On the 26th (local time), Mayor Oh toured the Paris Olympics site, which utilized representative historical and cultural heritage sites in the city center as venues, and watched the opening ceremony together with mayors from over 30 cities worldwide.

Starting with 'Les Invalides,' where South Korea's official first events, the men's and women's archery ranking rounds, were held, Mayor Oh visited the Grand Palais, where taekwondo and fencing took place, and Concorde Square, the venue for breaking and skateboarding, which were designated as Olympic sports for the first time this year.

He also visited the 'Korea House,' operated as a platform for South Korea's cultural and sports diplomacy during the Olympics. Mayor Oh introduced cultural and artistic content and lifestyle to domestic and international visitors at the site.

That evening, Mayor Oh attended the opening ceremony event held at the Eiffel Tower and watched the ceremony with Anne Hidalgo, Mayor of Paris, and others.

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon watching a women's handball game
[Photo by Seoul City]

This opening ceremony was the first in Olympic history to be held outside a stadium, taking place on the Seine River.

On the 25th, Mayor Oh watched the women's handball match between South Korea and Germany. The Olympic handball delegation includes four players affiliated with Seoul City Hall, including Woo Bit-na.

On the 24th, he visited the Olympic Village, encouraging athletes and officials and touring the village facilities.

Mayor Oh stated, "I personally witnessed the Olympic site where Paris's historic landmarks are transformed into grand and meaningful venues and event spaces," adding, "I am currently planning innovative ways to apply these diverse attempts to Seoul."

He also said, "Starting with the consecutive victories in archery and handball, I hope all participating athletes achieve meaningful results and accomplishments."