POCOG Calls On IOC For Ticketing Meeting

(ATR) PyeongChang 2018 President Hee Beom Lee requested a "high-level meeting" with the IOC to address sagging ticket sales.

Lee made his remarks at the opening the final IOC 2018 Coordination Commission meeting in PyeongChang. Lee appeared to criticize Authorized Ticket Resellers for not promoting the Games enough, as well as ticket prices, according to media reports.

"As for overseas tickets sales, the [resellers] sales activities seem to be neither active nor promotional with too expensive ticket prices in some countries," Lee is quoted as saying. "In this respect, I would like to propose to have a high-level meeting between IOC andPOCOG President Pyeongchang 2018 during the CoCom Session here in Pyeongchang."

Typically, ticket prices are set by the host organizing committee, and resellers can only promote ticket packages within its territorial rights after the packages are determined. The IOC said it would speak with its personnel in PyeongChang before responding to any comments made by President Lee. A check of ticket prices with U.S. reseller CoSport shows packages to two events in a day around $250 per package. Four-day packages for tickets and hotels price from $4,000 upwards.

The CoComm lasts until Aug. 31, where topics of accommodations, the high speed rail, and lack of international promotion will certainly be discussed. Hours before the CoComm was to begin the security concerns of the region showcased itself when North Korea fired a missile over Japanese territory.

Days before the CoComm, on a visit to China, IOC President Thomas Bach told the AP there were "no immediate security concerns," for the 2018 Games.

"We are watching the situation, but I think there is no reason for any immediate concern because the fact that the games are taking place there is appreciated by all the national Olympic committees and by the governments," Bach said before the latest provocation. "So in this respect we're continuing with our preparations."

PyeongChang Bank Notes Coming

The Bank of Korea will issue bank notes commemorating the upcoming 2018 PyeongChang Olympics.

It is the first time a major domestic event will get commemorative bank notes, according to local media. Traditionally, the country honors events with commemorative coins or stamps.

The 2,000 Won note will feature seven different winter sports on one side, as well as either a picture of a tiger pine trees on the other. A total of 2.3 million bills will be produced.

Written by Aaron Bauer

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