Diplomacy Journal Kim Tae Yeon | A meaningful event was held to reflect on the historical significance and the spirit of peace, harmony, and inclusion embodied by the 1988 Seoul Olympics and Paralympics, which introduced South Korea to the world.

On the 17th, the Korea Sports Promotion Foundation (KSPO) held a ceremony at the Seoul Olympic Parktel to commemorate the 38th anniversary of the Seoul Olympics and Paralympics.
Approximately 400 people attended the ceremony--including KSPO Chairman Ha Hyung-ju, officials from the Olympic and Paralympic organizing committees, volunteer groups, and KSPO staff--to honor the significance of the 38th anniversary.

Commemorative Plaques for Key Figures Behind the Success of the Seoul Olympics and Paralympics
During the ceremony, commemorative plaques were awarded to the late Kim Jip (former Minister of Sports), who led the South Korean delegation as Chef de Mission during the 1988 Seoul Olympics; the late Ko Gwi-nam, President of the Seoul Paralympic Organizing Committee, who dedicated himself to the event's success; and Kim Yi-jung, Head of the Central Headquarters of the Korean Residents Union in Japan (Mindan).

The presentation of these plaques serves to honor the legacies of those who dedicated themselves to the successful hosting of the Seoul Olympics and Paralympics and to pass on their spirit to future generations. The 1988 Seoul Olympics and Paralympics served as a historic stage that showcased South Korea’s development to the world while fostering shared values ​​of peace and harmony through sports—transcending national, ethnic, and physical barriers.
The moving moments captured in photos from 38 years ago have been brought back to life through AI.
An awards ceremony for the "88 Seoul Olympics & Paralympics Photo Contest," which had been underway for about two months since last July, was also held on this day.
The Grand Prize went to Mr. Lee Cheol-hee for his entry, "A Wheelchair National Athlete Became My Older Sister," which captured his memories of serving as a volunteer during the Seoul Paralympics.
Notably, prior to the awards ceremony, content utilizing generative AI was unveiled, making the figures and scenes in the 13 winning photos appear to come alive and move; this offered attendees a fresh way to experience the memories and emotions of that era.

As the expressions and moments of athletes and volunteers—captured in old photographs—were recreated through cutting-edge technology, the event became a meaningful occasion to share the historical legacy of the Seoul Olympics and Paralympics with future generations in a new way.
Scholarships Worth 100 Million Won Awarded to 21 Korean-Japanese Students Studying in Their Homeland
The event also served as an opportunity to reflect on the special bond between the Korean-Japanese community and the Seoul Olympics and Paralympics. A scholarship ceremony was held for university students studying in Korea to honor the spirit of the Korean Residents Union in Japan (Mindan), which had raised funds 38 years ago to support the success of the Games--the first of their kind to be held in their homeland.
A total of 100 million won in scholarships was awarded to 21 university students who are pursuing their studies in Korea while cherishing their identity as descendants of the nation.

This gesture held special significance, as it bridged the affection and dedication the Korean-Japanese community showed toward their homeland 38 years ago with the dreams and futures of the next generation. Reliving the emotion of 1988 by singing "Hand in Hand" together
The ceremony concluded with the children's choir entiled, Singing Angels.