Cheonan, South Korea – The 77th Chungnam Citizens' Sports Festival officially commenced in Cheonan, South Korea, with a groundbreaking torch lighting ceremony on June 10th at the revered Independence Hall of Korea. In a world-first, the ceremonial flame was ignited using hydrogen electricity, a powerful symbol of the festival's commitment to carbon neutrality and a sustainable future.

The innovative ceremony garnered significant attention, not only for its eco-friendly approach but also for its poignant use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology. A captivating media facade projected a lifelike recreation of Yu Gwan-sun, a revered independence activist, allowing attendees to virtually witness her presence during this historic moment.

The honor of igniting the torch fell to Yu Hye-kyung, head of the Cheonan branch of the Yu Gwan-sun Patriot Association and a descendant of the independence heroine, along with other association members. They proudly undertook the initial leg of the torch relay, marking the start of a significant journey.

This year's festival holds particular significance as it marks the first time in 21 years that Cheonan has hosted the event. The torch, after its initial lighting, embarked on a relay through 31 eup, myeon, and dong (administrative divisions) across Cheonan. On June 11th, the flame was ceremoniously enshrined at the Cheonan Citizens' Belfry, with members of the Cheonan City Council participating as the final relay runners for this segment.

The grand opening ceremony, which includes the official torch lighting to signal the start of the games, is scheduled for June 12th at 6:30 PM KST at the main stadium of the Cheonan Sports Complex. Prominent sports figures representing Cheonan have been selected as key torchbearers, promising a spectacular and inspiring lighting performance.

Han Nam-gyo, President of the Cheonan City Sports Council, emphasized the profound meaning behind the ceremony. "Holding the torch lighting ceremony at the Independence Hall, a place imbued with patriotic spirit, is incredibly meaningful, especially as we celebrate the 80th anniversary of Korea's liberation," he stated. "We hope the 77th Chungnam Citizens' Sports Festival serves as an opportunity to highlight Cheonan's unique identity and instill a greater sense of pride among our 700,000 citizens."

The 77th Chungnam Citizens' Sports Festival will run for four days, from June 12th to June 15th, with various events and competitions taking place across Cheonan. This annual multi-sport event brings together athletes and citizens from across Chungcheongnam-do province, fostering regional unity and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle. The festival typically features a wide array of sports, from track and field to traditional Korean martial arts, providing a platform for amateur athletes to showcase their skills and compete in a spirit of camaraderie. The focus on hydrogen electricity for the torch lighting underscores South Korea's broader national commitment to renewable energy and sustainable development, aligning the festival with crucial global environmental initiatives.