PHOTOS: Paris kicks off Olympics with outdoor spectacle despite glitches
By Park Jong-hyeokPosted : July 27, 2024, 12:22Updated : July 27, 2024, 12:37
SEOUL, July 27 (AJU PRESS) - This year's Summer Olympics kicked off in Paris, France on Friday with a historic, rain-drenched opening ceremony.
Held outside a stadium for the first time in Olympic history, the four-hour spectacle showcased the fashion capital's creativity and innovation. But the ceremony was not without flaws, including the Olympic flag being hoisted upside down and the Korean delegation being mistakenly introduced as North Korea.
More than 10,000 athletes from 206 countries will compete in 32 disciplines during the quadrennial global sporting event until Aug. 11.
Lasers light up the sky around the Eiffel Tower during the opening ceremony of the Summer Olympics in Paris, France on July 26, 2024. AFP-Yonhap
A Korean delegate takes a selfie on a boat during the opening ceremony of the Summer Olympics in Paris, France on July 26, 2024. AP-Yonhap
Boats carrying athletes sail along the Seine during the opening ceremony of the Summer Olympics in Paris, France on July 26, 2024. Xinhua-Yonhap
Boats carrying athletes sail along the Seine during the opening ceremony of the Summer Olympics in Paris, France on July 26, 2024. AFP-Yonhap
Smoke billows near windows as performers participate during the opening ceremony of the Summer Olympics in Paris, France on July 26, 2024. Xinhua-Yonhap
The Olympic torch is being taken down the Seine in a boat during the opening ceremony of the Summer Olympics in Paris, France on July 26, 2024. From left, Carl Lewis, Rafael Nadal, Nadia Comaneci and Serena Williams. EPA-Yonhap
Former French football star Zinedine Zidane holds the Olympic torch during the opening ceremony of the Summer Olympics in Paris, France on July 26, 2024. AFP-Yonhap
Former sprinter Marie-Jose Perec (left) and French judoka Teddy Riner light the Olympic flame at the opening ceremony of the Summer Olympics in Paris, France on July 26, 2024. AFP-Yonhap
A hot air balloon lifts the cauldron during the opening ceremony of the Summer Olympics in Paris, France on July 26, 2024. EPA-Yonhap
Lasers light up the sky around the Eiffel Tower during the opening ceremony of the Summer Olympics in Paris, France on July 26, 2024. AFP-Yonhap
Canadian singer Celine Dion performs during the opening ceremony of the Summer Olympics in Paris, France on July 26, 2024. AFP-Yonhap