K-pop stars, organizers gearing up for Asian Games
The organizing committee for the 2014 Asian Games, which will be held in Incheon from Sept. 19, unveiled some highlights being prepared for the event’s opening and closing ceremonies yesterday at the central Seoul branch of the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Jongno District.As the budget for the Asian Games in Incheon was “relatively restricted” compared to the London Olympics or the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou, film directors Im Kwon-taek and Jang Jin, who were appointed to oversee the ceremonies, showed concern that the Incheon event may not be as spectacular.
“However,” Im said, “bright, clever and witty ideas from younger staff members like director Jang will definitely shine more.”
Jang said he tried to use one single message throughout the cultural performances planned for the opening ceremony.
“Visitors and participants as a whole will see and feel the future of Asia through the events,” he said. “They’ll go back to their home countries with one message that Asia can become one as we respect and care for one another.”
The opening ceremony’s main performance is a combination of theater, dance, visual effects, pansori (traditional narrative singing) and classical music.
“Asiad’s Song” will be sung in the final act. It was written by the poet Ko Un, 81, and will be performed by soprano Sumi Jo, accompanied by 919 choir members of the Incheon Citizens’ Choir under the baton of maestro Gum Nanse.
K-pop stars will also grace the stage. Boy group Exo will show off their songs while JYJ will sing the Asian Games’ theme. Psy will also perform some of his popular hits.
BY YIM SEUNG-HYE [sharon@joongang.co.kr]
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
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