South Korea President Takes Stock of PyeongChang Progress

(ATR) Geun Hye Park was briefed on progress of PyeongChang 2018 on Friday.

Her visit marked the halfway point between when PyeongChang won the rights to stage the 2018 Olympics and the first day of the Games.

A statement released by POCOG from the Blue House, the official residence of the president, says Park planned the inspection "out of an understanding that it was necessary for the success of the Games for her to take stock of the progress of preparations."

The statement added: "It was also a good opportunity for the president to encourage officials involved who are making dedicated efforts despite a challenging working environment."

Park’s inspection could also be an indication that the national government is willing to increase cooperation with the new leadership of POCOG. Yang Ho Cho replaced Jin Sun Kim as organizing committee president over the summer.

Around the Rings understands Kim may have been caught in a political impasse over the Games, hindering their progress. To that end, the statement did say Park "expressed her commitment to strengthening government-wide support" for PyeongChang 2018.

While in PyeongChang, Park paid a visit to the Alpensia Resort and ski jumping stadium.

Before becoming president, Park was a special advisor for her political party’s committee on the PyeongChang bid.

"In that capacity, she joined the citizens of Gangwon Province on July 7, 2011, in praying for and rejoicing over the success of the bid," the statement said.

Written by Ed Hula III

20 Years at #1: