Part 2 - LA84 Foundation

13.6
Review and Evaluation
IOC President Samaranch and other
IOC members and NOC representatives
from around the world said in unison
that they had been deeply impressed
by the Opening and Closing Ceremonies
of the Olympic Games in Seoul,
and described those ceremonies a
huge success. Almost all mass media
of the world also praised the ceremonies
with different expressions.
One of the most difficult tasks was to
coordinate the different views and
opinions of the specialists representing
different fields, forming the ceremonies
in a way to fully reflect the spirit of the
Olympic Charter and consider the
diplomatic matters in the international
community, balancing the ceremonies
and the performances in a solemn yet
delightful manner, and combining the
Korean traditional and universal
elements.
The establishment of the ceremonies'
themes, the production of the scenarios,
the formation of the planning unit and
advisory committees, the recruitment
and training of the performers, the
design and the manufacturing of
costumes, ornaments, accessories
and equipment, the installation of the
ceremonies' venues and decoration,
appropriation of the necessary music,
cooperation with the IOC and the
NOCs, preparations of the special
effects, plans for the broadcasting,
mapping out of the emergency measures
— all these tasks, none of which
could be taken lightly, pressed those
who worked for the ceremonies during
the past few years. The result,
however, was more than satisfactory in
a word.
The general practices on August 30,
1988 and the subsequent two full-dress
rehearsals were most useful in exposing
problems and making efforts to
improve the ceremonies.
Korea's traditional culture was successfully
introduced to the world
through its popular folk song,
"Arirang," played for the entry of the
winners and the medal awarding VIPs
at all victory ceremonies, and the
colorful and graceful costumes of the
guides and medal bearers. Decorating
the reverse side of the winners'
medals with a unique design was
another notable feature of the Seoul
Games.
As even a precious stone has a flaw,
some room for improvement was also
exhibited in the course of implementing
the ceremonies.
First, difficulties arose in appropriating
the manpower and materials due to
frequent changes in the content of the
program.
Second, services for the foreign spectators
often faltered because of the
insufficient linguistic ability of the
guides.
Third, the occupation of the passages
by journalists, particularly the broadcasting
personnel, hindered the traffic
of the spectators.
Fourth, the "Parting Ships" presented
during the Closing Ceremonies turned
out to be more or less tedious and the
fireworks designed as a grand finale
were less effective than desired.
84
83
82. Victory ceremony for the canoeing
competition.
83. During the Opening Ceremony, the five
Olympic rings left by skywriters stand out
clearly against the blue sky.
84. Fireworks mark the grand finale of the
Closing Ceremony