SEOUL - Choi Jong-ku, a former top financial regulator, has been named as a co-head of the 2024 Winter Youth Olympics, set to take place in South Korea's Gangwon Province. This announcement comes as the country gears up for the international event scheduled from January 19 to February 1.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Choi, who previously led the Financial Services Commission (FSC), joins Olympic champions Jin Jong-oh and Lee Sang-hwa in presiding over the upcoming games. Jin, a four-time Olympic shooting champion, and Lee, a double Olympic gold medalist in speed skating, were appointed as co-heads earlier in February. The duo is expected to focus on promoting the competition and engaging with young athletes, while Choi will leverage his extensive experience in the financial sector to attract interest and support from administrative and financial circles.
Choi, aged 66, served as the FSC chief from 2017 to 2019 and has held prominent roles, including president of the Export-Import Bank of Korea and a lengthy tenure in the finance ministry. Since 2022, he has been the director of the Yulgok Institute in Gangwon and has assumed advisory positions with various organizations, including law firm Yoon and Yang, Samsung Electro-Mechanics, and CJ Cheiljedang Corp.
Choi expressed his commitment to making the Gangwon 2024 Winter Youth Olympics a resounding success and highlighted the event's significance in showcasing South Korea on the global stage and fostering unity among young athletes worldwide.
Additionally, the organizing committee appointed seven new advisers to support Choi in this endeavor. This group includes notable figures like Kim Jae-youl, head of the International Skating Union and an International Olympic Committee member, and Yeo Hyung-koo, secretary general of the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics.
The 2024 Winter Youth Olympics in Gangwon will utilize venues from the 2018 Winter Games and is expected to welcome approximately 1,900 athletes from 80 countries, competing in 81 events across 15 disciplines in seven sports. This event marks the fourth edition of the Winter Youth Olympics and the first to be held outside Europe, following previous hosts Austria, Norway, and Switzerland.