The Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo have come to an end after an exhilarating 17 days, with South Korean athletes departing the event with triumphant smiles. The closing ceremony took place in Verona's Arena, a historic site used since ancient Rome, signaling the start of the countdown to the 2030 Winter Olympics in France, highlighting the ongoing legacy of the Olympic movement.

The ceremony, themed 'Beauty in Action,' opened with a performance of Giuseppe Verdi's famous opera 'La Traviata,' accompanied by a stirring orchestral score. This was followed by tributes to other classic operas such as 'Rigoletto,' 'Aida,' and 'Madama Butterfly,' with their iconic characters celebrated as part of the gala event. The Olympic flame, which had brightened both Milan and Cortina during the games, was brought to the arena by former Italian athletes, illuminating the closing spectacle.

During the closing ceremony, South Korea made a notable entrance, ranked 22nd as in the opening ceremony, led by short-track speed skaters Choi Min-jeong and Hwang Dae-heon. Choi achieved a historic milestone by winning seven medals, while Hwang continued his successful streak of winning medals at three consecutive Olympic Games. The event also saw the introduction of new IOC members, including South Korea’s own Won Yun-jong, who represented his country and the spirit of Olympic sports with a heartwarming gesture as he presented flowers to a volunteer representative, showcasing the camaraderie and commitment of Olympians worldwide.