The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced Wednesday that Second Vice Minister Kim Dae-hyun will attend the closing ceremony of the 2026 Milan-Cortina d'Ampezzo Winter Olympics as the government's official representative.
Kim will visit the Olympic venue from Feb. 19 to 23 to encourage Korean athletes and oversee on-site support operations through the conclusion of the Games, the ministry said.
The vice minister will meet with athletes at the Milan Winter Olympics Athletes' Village on Feb. 20 local time to offer encouragement as they compete in their final events. On Feb. 21, he will inspect the meal support center responsible for athletes' dietary management and local adaptation.
Kim will also attend short track and speed skating events on Feb. 20 and 21 to cheer on Team Korea. He is scheduled to participate in the Korean delegation's disbandment ceremony and "Team Night" event on Feb. 21, expressing gratitude to athletes and officials for their dedication throughout the competition.
On the final day of the Games, Feb. 22, Kim will travel to Verona to attend the closing ceremony, which begins at 4 a.m. Korean time on Feb. 23.
"We plan to celebrate the Korean team's achievements before a global audience and applaud the athletes who brought their hard work and dedication to a successful conclusion," the ministry said.