Song Seung-whan, a South Korean actor-turned-director, has been named the executive creative director of the opening and closing ceremonies for the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics. (image: Yonhap)
SEOUL, July 2 (Korea Bizwire) — South Korean actor-turned-director Song Seung-whan on Thursday was named the creative chief of the opening and closing ceremonies for the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics.
The organizing committee announced that Song, currently the CEO and executive artistic director of Seoul-based PMC Production, will serve as executive creative director of the ceremonies at South Korea’s first-ever Winter Games.
Song, 58, began his career as an actor in television and theater, and has carved out a successful second career in directing. In 1997, Song created the popular non-verbal performance “Nanta,” the longest-running show in the country, which topped 10 million in attendance earlier this year.
“(The organizing committee) wanted a personality as the executive creative director who is both creative and capable of coordinating the various aspects required to stage a world-class performance,” the committee said in a statement. “In addition to Song’s experience and numerous creative achievements, his strong understanding of the audience and broadcasting, his wide network within the creative arts industry, and his ability to manage big projects and organizations are essential qualities that (the organizing committee) benchmarked for the position.”
In a statement, Song said the appointment was “a great honor,” adding, “I will devote my best efforts to orchestrate exciting and memorable ceremonies.”
The organizing committee also said it will start putting together creative teams of local and international experts to work with Song.
(Yonhap)
