![South Korean athletes enter in Livigno. [AP·Yonhap]](https://image.ajunews.com/content/image/2026/02/07/20260207054545151939.jpg)
In the athlete parade held across multiple sites centered on Milan’s San Siro Olympic Stadium, South Korea appeared 22nd among 92 National Olympic Committees, according to the organizing committee.
Figure skater Cha Jun Hwan (Seoul City Hall) and long-distance speed skater Park Ji Woo (Gangwon Provincial Office), serving as co-flag bearers, led the delegation with the South Korean flag. Smiling, they waved to the stands as athletes raised flags and phones to capture the moment.
“It’s a great honor and I’m grateful, because it’s a moment representing our country,” Cha said in comments released through the organizing committee. “I wanted to share positive energy with the team. I hope everyone can fully enjoy the Olympics, a dream stage.” Park said she hoped younger athletes would “enjoy the Olympics, have fun and make great memories.”
With venues split into four zones, the parade was also held simultaneously in several locations. South Korea had 50 participants in the opening ceremony, divided among the four sites.
In Livigno, about 200 kilometers from Milan, snowboard and freestyle ski athletes entered with a dynamic performance. In Predazzo, the cross-country team appeared against a snowy backdrop, waving the South Korean flag.
In Cortina d’Ampezzo, sliding sports and biathlon athletes marched together. Women’s skeleton athlete Hong Su Jeong rode on a teammate’s shoulders as she lifted the country placard to signal Team Korea’s entrance.
The entry order was set by the host nation’s Italian alphabet system. South Korea was listed under “Corea,” from its Italian name “Repubblica di Corea,” placing it between Colombia and Croatia.
About 3,500 athletes are competing for 116 gold medals at the Games. South Korea’s delegation totals 130, including 71 athletes in six sports and 59 officials, with a goal of at least three gold medals and a top-10 overall finish.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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