The one-year countdown to the PyeongChang Winter Olympics has begun, "with the reveal of the Olympic torch and organisers opening online ticket reservations," according to the AAP. South Korean PM Hwang Kyo-ahn and an IOC delegation led by Gunilla Lindberg attended the ceremony in Gangneung. South Korean figure skating Gold Medalist Yuna Kim "carried the white-and-gold Olympic torch onto a stage built over ice as a group of pop singers sang the Queen hit We Are the Champions." Hwang told organizers in a meeting earlier in the day that the government is ready to invest "every reliable resource" to "build buzz" for the Games and ensure the safety of athletes and spectators. With preparations entering the last phases, the "participation of North Korea and Russia have emerged as major issues" ahead of next year's Games. PyeongChang Organizing Head Lee Hee-beom "expressed hopes to see athletes from both countries" at the Games. Lee: "Every country and every athlete who loves peace has a right and obligation to participate in the Olympics. North Korea is no exception" (AAP, 2/9).
