Busan announces intent to bid for 2020 Olympics

The Busan city government said yesterday afternoon that it intends to bid for the 2020 Summer Olympics, according to a press release from Busan Metropolitan City.

A huge convention was held at Bexco (the Busan Exhibition and Convention Center) in the evening to launch the bid.

Around 4,000 attended along with Busan Mayor Hur Nam-sik and Kim Jong-yul, co-chairman of 2020 Busan Olympic Citizen Organization.

“We will truly be able to host the 2020 Summer Olympics in Busan if the 13 million people who live in the southeastern region of the Korean Peninsula work together,” Kim said in his speech.

“The Busan Olympics will lead Korea to become an advanced country and turn Busan into a renowned international port city.”

Eight publicity ambassadors were announced at the event. Among them were Gil Young-ah, a gold medalist in badminton at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics; actress Kim Hyun-joo from the hit local series “Boys Over Flowers”; and actor Jeoung Jun-ho.

Also chosen were a series of gold medalists from the 2008 Beijing Olympics - taekwondo athlete Lim Su-jeong, judoka Choi Min-ho, badminton mixed-doubles pair Lee Yong-dae and Lee Hyo-jung, and swimmer Park Tae-hwan.

“The 2020 Busan Summer Olympics will be a turning point for Korea, allowing it to strengthen its efforts at unification and making it one of the world’s advanced countries,” said Mayor Hur in his welcoming address.

“Let us spread our zeal for the Busan Summer Olympics bid throughout the nation, and once again experience the glory of the 1988 Seoul Summer Olympics.”

The hosting organization was established on July 2007 as a council composed of 260 Busan civic groups.

By Kang Jin-kwon JoongAng Ilbo/ Lee Min-yong Staff Reporter [smartpower@joongang.co.kr]