Yoon hosts dinner for Olympic athletes

SEOUL, Aug. 22 (Yonhap) -- President Yoon Suk Yeol hosted a dinner for all South Korean athletes who competed in the Paris Olympics on Thursday, giving them each a medal of gratitude on behalf of the nation.

"Our performance at the recent Olympics was the best ever at 32 medals and an overall ranking of eighth, and there were many great records set by our athletes," Yoon said during opening remarks at a hotel in Seoul, noting in particular the accomplishment of the women's archery team that won its 10th consecutive gold.

"Despite this year's hot weather and tropical nights, we were truly happy because we had you," he said.

Team Korea won 13 gold medals, nine silvers and 10 bronzes at the Paris Summer Olympics.

During the dinner, which was also attended by first lady Kim Keon Hee, Yoon presented "People's Thank You Medals" to all 144 athletes and 90 coaches who participated in the Games.

The medals were emblazoned with the words "Team Korea" on the front and the text "You who represented the Republic of Korea at the 2024 Paris Olympics are a hero to all of us" on the back.

The text was personally written by Yoon, according to his office.

"I will boldly reform old practices so that our young athletes can train freely and hone their abilities in better conditions, and create a free and fair environment," Yoon said in his remarks.

Past Olympic champions were on hand to present the special medals, including Jang Mi-ran, the second vice minister of culture, sports and tourism and the 2008 weightlifting gold medalist, and Hyun Jung-hwa, the 1988 table tennis gold medalist.

Participating athletes were decked out in their official uniform, with belted, baby blue blazers on top of white t-shirts. Yoon wore a tie of a similar color, while Kim put on a suit to match the athletes' color.

Members of the support staff, including chefs who prepared Korean meals for the Olympians in Paris, sports scientists, and police officers who contributed to the French security operations were also invited to the dinner.

The dinner also included a performance by K-pop sensation NewJeans and popular magician Lee Eun-gyeol.

During Lee's performance, table tennis bronze medalist Jeon Ji-hee popped out of an empty box, and presented Yoon and Kim with the Paris Olympic torch and a t-shirt signed by South Korean medalists.

hague@yna.co.kr
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