Jinju Mayor Cho Gyuil Visits Korea Esports Association to Discuss Cooperation Plans

Discussion on Hosting Schedule for Asian Esports Tournament in the First Half of the Year
Preparations Begin to Launch K-Culture Festival Alongside the Tournament

Jinju City, Gyeongnam Province, announced on January 20 that it had visited the Korea Esports Association to discuss the preparation status and cooperation plans for the successful hosting of the 2026 Asian Esports Tournament.

This meeting brought together Jinju Mayor Cho Gyuil, Korea Esports Association President Kim Youngman, and Gyeongnam Esports Association President Ahn Hyunsoo to further strengthen the cooperation system between the parties and share practical preparations to ensure the smooth progress of the tournament.

Mayor Cho Kyu-il discusses the preparation status and cooperation plans for the successful hosting of the 2026 Asian Esports Tournament. Photo of the on-site meeting.

During the meeting, participants reviewed the overall progress of the tournament’s operation, including discussions on the event schedule, updates on preparations, division of roles among related organizations, operation of preliminary events to build momentum for the tournament, and plans for cultural festivals and side events linked to local festivals.

In particular, the city plans to first establish and launch a preparation committee centered on the Gyeongnam and Jinju regions, and to proceed with a phased approach to tournament preparations by inspecting and improving all aspects of the competition environment, such as stadiums, accommodations, transportation, and volunteers. Jinju City and the Korea Esports Association also agreed to share information closely and solidify their cooperation system.

Additionally, the city will hold preliminary events, such as local amateur esports tournaments, between March and April to encourage public interest and participation and to foster consensus and excitement for hosting the international tournament.

Mayor Cho Gyuil stated, "The 2026 Asian Esports Tournament is planned not only as a competition among nations but also as a cultural festival that brings together exchange and culture. Based on close cooperation with the Korea Esports Association and other relevant organizations, we will do our utmost to prepare for the tournament without any setbacks, making this an opportunity for Jinju City to emerge as a central city for Asian esports."

Kim Youngman, President of the Korea Esports Association, said, "Based on our experience and expertise in operating reputable tournaments, the Korea Esports Association will work closely with Jinju City to ensure the stable progress of the tournament."

Jinju City plans to continue expanding cooperation with related organizations to ensure the successful hosting of the tournament, aiming to create an international cultural and sports festival that athletes, citizens, and visitors can all enjoy together.