Milan: When South Korean figure skater Cha Jun-hwan learned he would carry the national flag during the opening ceremony of the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, he found the news "a bit unreal." On Friday night in Milan, alongside speed skater Park Ji-woo, Cha took on the prestigious role of co-flag bearers for South Korea at Milano San Siro Olympic Stadium.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Cha expressed his honor at the opportunity, stating, "The flag bearer stands at the front of the team, and I hope that the positive energy from this role can be passed on to all the athletes of South Korea." Competing in his third consecutive Winter Games, Cha is slated to participate in the men's singles short program in the figure skating team event in Milan.

Park Ji-woo, also a three-time Olympian, shared her gratitude for being chosen as a flag bearer. Reflecting on the responsibility, Park said, "When I heard I would be doing this together with Jun-hwan, I felt we needed to show good charisma during the ceremony." Park is set to compete in the 1,500m and mass start events at this year's Games.

Both athletes, adorned with the national flag, Taegeukgi, face-painted on their cheeks, led a group of fellow athletes and team officials, who captured the moment with their phones and waved at the stands. South Korea's Sports Minister Chae Hwi-young was present to show support for the nation's Olympians.

South Korea has sent a delegation of 71 athletes competing in six sports across northern Italy. The Parade of Nations was held simultaneously at four locations, accommodating athletes across different events. South Korea's presence was marked by 35 athletes and 15 officials participating in the parades held in Milan, Cortina d'Ampezzo, Livigno, and Predazzo.

In the main parade in Milan, South Korea, known as "Repubblica di Corea" in Italian, was the 22nd nation to appear, nestled between Colombia and Croatia.