PyeongChang 2018 Launches Instagram, Mascots Await

(ATR) The PyeongChang 2018 organizing committee has unveiled an official Instagram account expanding social media presence in efforts to build interest among the younger demographic.

Content is provided in both English and Korean on the popular global mobile platform for photo-sharing, video-sharing and social networking. PyeongChang organizers plan to highlight fun aspects surrounding the 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, informing and entertaining burgeoning winter sports fans and followers.

"It will be a powerful tool that enables us to interact with a broader and younger audience around the world," said POCOG director of communications Shin Muchol. "We will make it a fun and informative channel that can build positive momentum towards the PyeongChang 2018 Games."

To celebrate the new social media platform, POCOG is holding a "Leave Your Comments" event through April 6, encouraging Instagram followers to share and promote the PyeongChang 2018 Instagram account.

Having officially launched on March 28, the PyeongChang 2018 Instagram account has attracted 1,500 followers over the first three days.

Korean official are hopeful that the launch of Instagram – which currently has more than 500 million global and 5 million Korea users – could lead to a surge in volunteers for the 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

"We certainly hope Instagram will help us get more attention from the younger generation, and that would be helpful in gathering volunteers," said Lee Jihye, PyeongChang 2018 head of international media relations. "As of now, we expect around 20,000 volunteers, but the exact number could vary a bit as each function’s planning becomes more detailed during this year.

"We don’t expect big problems in reaching the total number and we will roll out a volunteer recruitment communication campaign to do so, with some consideration into targeting people with specific skills or expertise in order to meet our range of requirements," Lee said.

PyeongChang 2018’s official Facebook account is currently liked by 205,000 users, while the official Twitter account has 198,000 followers.

Despite the focus on social media, PyeongChang 2018 organizers have yet to reveal both the official mascot(s) and the "look of the Games."

"The mascot(s) and Games look will be announced soon, but we don’t have the specific date yet," Lee said. "It is a bit later than the norm, but we’ll be ok."

Written by Brian Pinelli

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