In a heartwarming gesture of national pride, President Yoon Suk Yeol hosted a special dinner on Thursday to honor the South Korean athletes who shone brightly at the Paris Olympics. The event, held at a prestigious hotel in Seoul, was a night of celebration, recognition, and gratitude for the athletes who brought glory to the nation.
“Our athletes delivered the best performance in our Olympic history, securing 32 medals and finishing eighth overall,” Yoon proudly stated in his opening remarks. He gave special mention to the women’s archery team, which made history by winning its 10th consecutive gold medal. “Even amidst this year’s scorching heat, you gave us a reason to be truly happy,” Yoon added, expressing the nation’s deep appreciation.
Team Korea’s remarkable achievements at the Paris Summer Olympics included 13 gold medals, nine silvers, and 10 bronzes, showcasing the exceptional talent and determination of the athletes.
The evening was also graced by the presence of First Lady Kim Keon Hee, who joined President Yoon in presenting “People’s Thank You Medals” to all 144 athletes and 90 coaches who represented South Korea at the Games. These special medals, inscribed with “Team Korea” on the front and “You who represented the Republic of Korea at the 2024 Paris Olympics are a hero to all of us” on the back, were personally designed with a message written by President Yoon himself.
In his address, Yoon vowed to reform outdated practices to provide young athletes with better training conditions and ensure a free and fair environment for them to excel.
The event saw past Olympic champions, including 2008 weightlifting gold medalist Jang Mi-ran and 1988 table tennis gold medalist Hyun Jung-hwa, presenting the medals to the athletes. The Olympians, dressed in their official uniforms of baby blue blazers over white t-shirts, looked every bit the part of the nation’s heroes. President Yoon and First Lady Kim matched the athletes’ colors, adding a personal touch to the occasion.
Members of the support staff, including chefs, sports scientists, and security personnel who played crucial roles behind the scenes in Paris, were also honored at the dinner. The evening’s entertainment featured a performance by K-pop sensation NewJeans and a magical act by renowned magician Lee Eun-gyeol. In a memorable moment, table tennis bronze medalist Jeon Ji-hee appeared out of an empty box during Lee’s performance, presenting President Yoon and First Lady Kim with the Paris Olympic torch and a t-shirt signed by South Korean medalists.
This celebratory dinner was more than just an event; it was a night that honored the dedication, perseverance, and incredible achievements of South Korea’s Olympic heroes, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended
