First Ever Digital Flame Is Lit at Gangwon Youth Olympics 2024

The Gangwon 2024 Winter Youth Olympics Games kicked off the Olympic year in style in 2024 on January 19, 2024. The Opening Ceremony not only showcased incredible athleticism but also treated sports fans worldwide to a delightful blend of culture and music. The whole theme for the ceremony was “The Universe” and was all about representing the endless possibilities for young people.

To conclude the ceremony, the traditional lighting of the Youth Olympics cauldron took place, adding a touch of time-honored Olympic tradition. But guess what? It came with a bit of modern-day magic.

The Gangwon Youth Olympics kick off the Olympic year with savvy tech

In an Instagram story by The Olympic Games, the page shared the alluring behind-the-scenes of the “Digital Cauldron” lit up outside the venue at the Olympic Park in Gangneung. Sharing a snippet of the blazing digital flame, the caption read, “AND THE FIRST EVER DIGITAL CAULDRON HAS BEEN LIT!” The Digital Cauldron, powered by Korean technology, is shaped like a gray box, almost two meters wide and nine meters tall, and has a huge square-shaped digital screen that lights up and looks like a real flame. This innovative addition was introduced for the very first time at the Youth Olympics to incorporate a sustainable and creative element into the games.

What is even more surreal is that it not only stands out brilliantly both in technology and design, but it mesmerizingly even changes colors based on the  32 different weathers Gangwon experiences. A 16-year-old volunteer, Soeon Park, carried the torch to the stadium, and the flame was lit by Lee Jeongmin, a South Korean professional footballer. The Digital Cauldron can also be viewed at the Olympic Park in Gangneung throughout the Youth Olympic Games. Yet, the digital cauldron was not the only special highlight of the opening ceremony for the Gangwon 2024 Winter Youth Olympic Games.

 The highlights of the opening ceremony

Adhering to the theme “The Universe,” the show featured a metaphorical journey of self-discovery. The iconic K-pop stars and cultural performers from South Korea also took center stage, drawing in global attention. The main stage at Gangneung Oval featured the famous boy band LUN8, the K-pop group Triple S, rappers Ash Island and Changmo, the traditional band Lennalchi, and the dance crew of the Ambiguous Dance Company.

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The PyeongChang Dome showcased performances by singer Taeyeon, rappers Hwasa and BewhY, 1 Million Dance Studio, and even the boy band Hori7on. The Winter Youth Olympic Games Gangwon 2024 are scheduled from January 19 to February 1, 2024, and nearly 1,900 athletes from 81 National Olympic Committees are expected to compete. On this incredible note, the 2024 Olympic year has officially commenced.

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