Anchor: The PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games will open under the themes of passion and peace, which will be highlighted through the opening and closing ceremonies. 
Our Oh Soo-young gives us a preview of the ceremonies.
 
Report: During the opening ceremony of the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games, the world watched as a young schoolboy dressed in white rolled a hoop across the infield of Seoul’s Olympic stadium, creating one of the most iconic scenes of the event. 
 
Thirty years later, young children are also set to play a key part in the opening ceremony of the PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games on Friday. 
 
Through their narratives of South Korea’s culture and history, five children from Gangwon Province will emphasize the passion for peace on the peninsula, after decades of separation of the Korean nation.
 
Peace and passion are some of the themes of the Winter Games’ opening and closing ceremonies, according to Song Seung-hwan, the creative director of both ceremonies.
 
[Sound bite: Creative director of PyeongChang Olympics opening and closing ceremonies Song Seung-hwan (Korean)]
“We bear the pain of division, so there is more passion for peace than any other nation. So through this Olympics, we will emphasize the message of peace...” 
 
The opening ceremony has been named “Peace in Motion,” and will begin at 8 p.m. with the chiming of bells.
 
On February 25th, the closing ceremony titled “Next Wave” will embrace all generations and backgrounds, promoting the co-existence and harmony of different people by overcoming differences.
 
Inspired by the global popularity of South Korea’s pop music, dramas and films, the best of Korea’s modern culture will be showcased through music and videos, art and state-of-the-art technology—under the theme of convergence.
 
[Sound bite: Chairman of PyeongChang Winter Olympics Organizing Committee Lee Hee-beom (Korean)]
“Based on the Korean wave, or Hallyu, the closing ceremony will be a place to deliver South Korea’s image as a strong cultural nation.”

To help the 35-thousand spectators brave the winter chills of Gangwon Province in the massive roofless arena, a windshield will be placed around the stadium as well as portable heaters and heated shelters.

Organizers will also hand out hats, hot packs, raincoats, blankets and heating pads to sit on but recommended visitors dress warmly.

Throughout the games, a flame will light up the specially-designed Olympic cauldron, which was inspired by Korea’s traditional white porcelain moon jar.
Oh Soo-young, KBS World Radio News.