Winter Olympics Mascots

[Anchor Lead]

The mascots for the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics - a white tiger named Soohorang and an Asian black bear called Bandabi - have officially made their debut. Here’s a look at the latest in their PR activities.

[Pkg]

As the atmosphere heats up with a magic show staged for elementary school students Soohorang and Bandabi, the mascots for the Pyeongchang Olympics, show up on stage. Originating from the tiger and the bear in a myth about Korea's founding, the two mascots received a warm welcome from the audience attesting to their popularity on par with figure skating champion Kim Yuna.

[Soundbite] Kim Yuna(PR Ambassador, Pyeongchang Olympics) : "They suit the image of the Olympic Games to be held in Korea. I'm sure many people will like them because they are adorable."

The Pyeongchang Olympics organizing committee plans to dispatch the mascots to the Rio Olympics to publicize the Pyeongchang Games. A mini-Olympics event has been held to raise public awareness of winter sports that are still new to the public. Children tried their hand at cross-country skiing and short-track speed skating as they wished for the success of the Pyeongchang Olympics.

[Soundbite] Shin Dong-hwa(Elementary school student) : "It's fun to be here. I think the Pyeongchang Olympics will be successful."

Once the Rio Olympics come to an end next month, the world's attention will turn to Pyeongchang. Soohorang and Bandabi have officially launched their duties to become the most memorable PR ambassadors for the Olympic Games.