By Xu Aiying and Kim Young Shin
Video = ArirangTV

The Olympic Truce Mural was unveiled at the PyeongChang Olympic Village in Pyeongchang, Gangwon-do Province, on Feb. 5. The monument symbolizes support for the Olympic Truce and the resolution to bring forward the “Games of peace” that will foster peace on the Korean Peninsula and around the world.

Olympic Truce Murals have been built at Olympic Villages ever since the Turin 2006 Winter Olympics, to physically symbolize the Olympic spirit to halt wars and to establish peace through conversation and reconciliation during the Games.

Inspired by Pope Francis’ message to “build bridges, not walls,” artist Yi Je-seok designed and built this year’s Truce Mural, titled “Building Bridges.” The 3-m-high and 6.5-m-wide concrete wall is bending over partly, horizontally, to form a bridge. The mural is placed in both the PyeongChang Olympic Village and the Gangneung Olympic Village.



At the unveiling ceremony were President Thomas Bach of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), UNHCR supporter Yiech Pur Biel, North Korean IOC member Chang Ung, North Korea’s Vice Sports Minister Won Kil-u, Pyeongchang Organizing Committee President Lee Hee-beom and Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Do Jongwhan. The dignitaries signed the Truce Mural, ensuring an "Olympics of peace."

“I hope that the families of every participant in the PyeongChang Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, the media and the audience become the heroes and heroines that break down walls of conflict and dispute around the world and build bridges of communication, reconciliation, harmony and peace,” said Minister Do.

The Olympic Truce Mural will be decorated with signatures from Olympic athletes during the Games. After the Winter Olympics and Paralympics, the walls will each be on display at the PyeongChang Olympic Plaza and at the Gangneung Olympic Park.

xuaiy@korea.kr