A presentation revealing the details of the opening and closing ceremonies of the upcoming 2015 Gwangju Summer Universiade was given on June 3 at the Plaza Hotel in Seoul.

The two ceremonies will have an array of artists, each representing parts of Korea’s rich traditions through to today's pop culture. Actor Joo Won, Yunho from the group TVXQ U, gugak starlet Song So-hee, pop tenor Lim Hyung-joo, rock singer Kim Kyung-ho, gugak percussionist Kim Duk-soo, Wang Gi-cheol, Park Jong-sook, Kim Jae-hyung, SHINee, Block B, Jinusean, EXID, Crayon Pop, Ulala Session, Dickpunks and more will participate in the two ceremonies.

Novelist Moon Soon-tae was charged with the script for the events. They will be planned according to the Universiade slogan “Light Up, Tomorrow,” with the opening ceremony choosing “U are Shining,” and the closing ceremony “Sharing the Light,” portraying each sub-theme.

The opening ceremony will begin at 7 p.m. on July 3 at the Gwangju Summer Universiade Main Stadium, the Gwangju World Cup Stadium. It will start with the world’s youth mingling together. There will be a musical-like message about life and humankind. It will move on to traditional tunes and then transform into a daedongnori conclusion, a traditional group activity where one builds communal bonds between all participants.

Musical acts will include smaller themes like Joo Won's “Today’s youth,” Yunho's “Shadow of youth” and Song So-hee “Goddess of life.”

The closing ceremony will be held at 7 p.m. on July 14, encompassing all participating athletes and even the volunteers at the event, bringing them together in harmony.

Tickets to the opening ceremony and the closing ceremony can be purchased online at http://ticket.gwangju2015.com or at the call center, which can be reached by dialing 1644-9446 or 1544-1555.

The Gwangju Universiade Organizing Committee (GUOC) holds a presentation on the opening and closing ceremonies with Vice Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Kim Jong, GUOC President Kim Hwang-sik, ceremony director Park Myung-sung and PR ambassadors Lim Hyung-joo, Kim Kyung-ho, Kim Duck-soo, Wang Gi-cheol and Song So-hee, as well as other cast and staff members, in attendance, on June 3 at the Seoul Plaza Hotel, marking 30 days until the games begin.

By Paik Hyun
Korea.net Staff Writer
Photos: Gwangju Universiade Organizing Committee
cathy@korea.kr