Incheon, Korea: The 2014 Incheon Asian Games Organizing Committee, headed by Mr Kim Young-soo, has announced the appointment of Director Im Kwon-taek as the Executive Producer for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Games. The new executive producer made his debut in 1962 and has since directed many masterpieces, such as Seopyeonje, the Surrogate Woman and Chunhyang.

He is critically acclaimed as one of the representative Korean film directors and has won many domestic and international film festival awards, including the Cannes Best Director Award. “Rather than topping previous lavish Games, the ceremonies of the Incheon Asian Games, a third one hosted in Korea, will touch the hearts of four billion Asians and gain their sympathy,” said Director Im.

The Organizing Committee appointed the executive producer out of 30 candidates after a series of meetings and consultations with the Ceremonies Advisory Committee. Mr Im will be responsible for the production of both the 2013 Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games and 2014 Incheon Asian Games, according to the Committee.

The Committee said: “Mr Im well represents the Korean cultural and arts circles and is a symbolic figure, grabbing public attention at home and abroad. He has insight into the concepts and vision for the ceremonies. “His high-quality, aesthetic work is based on the sentiment of Korea and a sense of humanity. He is a leader with character and expertise.”

* Profile of the Executive Producer

Im Kwon-taek (b. 1936)

- Endowed-Chair Professor, Im Kwon Taek College of Film & Performing Arts, Dongseo University

- Judge, Shanghai International Film Festival

- Filmography: Farewell to the Duman River (debut film, 1962), Mandala, The Surrogate Woman, Seopyeonje, Chunhyang, Painted Fire.

- Awards & Achievements: the 55th Cannes Best Director Award (2002), the 55th Berlin International Film Festival’s Honorary Golden Bear Award (2005), the French Legion of Honor (2007).