Last week saw the opening ceremonies of the week long Daegu National Sports Festival. These are week long national finals for competitors at the High School and College level in many disciplines outside of track and field.

What was most unique about the opening ceremonies what that current internet and international pop sensation Psy was due to perform his global craze hit "Gangnam Style". 

Normally there are shuttle buses arranged to the stadium from the subway for major events such as this. However, due to the mass popularity of Psy it was a turnout like I've never seen before. 

 
 
 



 

You couldnt even leave the station platform, the crowds were backed up so much into the station. I've been to the IAAF where Usain Bolt set a world record, the Asia Song Festival where supergroup B2ST performed, and the one day IAAF meet where another highly popular group INFINITE performed. But never has the turnout been so large as it was for Psy.

The organizers were stating nobody would be admitted after 530 which was near impossible for me as I have to work till 420. However it was already 530 and I wasnt worried as they cant turn this many people away without having a riot. 

 
 


The shuttle bus was a short 5 min ride and we quickly went in. The starting fireworks and parade of athletes was already taking place, the stadium looked already quite full. 

We used our media passes and were able to get into the media stands which were virtually empty giving us room to move around and take shots from different positions. 

 
 
 

 

After the stadium filled with the athletes completing their parade, there were opening remarks. The Mayor of Daegu and Korean President Lee Myeong Bak who is seeking re-election were both present to make welcoming remarks. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Next was the torch relay and lighting of the flame. The stadium dimmed in the early evening as they made their final approach, resulting in a celebratory burst of fireworks. 

 
 
 
 


 

Now the evenings show was to begin. As the athletes left the stadium grounds while still dimly lit, the stadium filled with darkened figures holding windmill style glowing sticks. They formed circles and performed choreographed moves. 

While still in darkness they dropped their robes to reveal colourful costumes as the lighting came back on. A group of male dancers ran on and performed before forming a reception line for olympic gymnast Sun Yun Jae to run down. She went on the podium and performed a short dance routine to the music. 

The stadium was lively in anticipation of the next highly anticipated performance which was due, that of international pop sensation Psy performing "Gangnam Style" (next entry). 

Videos : 



Daegu 93rd National Sports Festival - Opening Part I 
http://youtu.be/kEENpYlKjLA
 
Daegu 93rd National Sports Festival - Opening Part II 
http://youtu.be/d8tK6uzB7f8