“Are you crazy? You're letting a foreign singer be the first runner in the Louvre section? What happened to French pride? Marie Dubois, think about it. All the other torchbearers are iconic French figures. Football players, Olympic champions, Paris Opera stars—everyone knows them. But now you're suggesting we let a foreign idol carry the torch on our biggest national holiday at our landmark?”

[Korean Today] BTS Jin at the Paris Olympic torch relay (Photo: News1 provided) ⓒ Park Chan-doo

Marie Dubois, part of the Paris Olympic promotion team, was momentarily at a loss for words but quickly regained her composure.

“Our pride will shine even brighter. When a global star carries the torch in front of a French symbol, it showcases the greatness of French culture.”

After a long debate, they finally got approval. As soon as the news leaked, media criticism poured in.

“Paris Olympics succumbs to K-POP”

“Is the Louvre a set for a BTS music video?”

Reading these headlines, Marie Dubois felt a sinking feeling. However, she found some comfort knowing that the top French weekly magazine she was friendly with did not publish negative reports.

Of course, media targeting younger audiences had a different reaction. Positive responses began to emerge from the younger generation, gradually changing the atmosphere.

“Everyone, we can do this. Through this torch relay, let's show the world the art and culture of France and demonstrate our openness to embracing new cultures.”

When Marie Dubois first joined the 2024 Olympic Committee's promotional team, she felt honored and excited. But with the world's eyes on the Paris Olympics opening on August 15, she found each day increasingly stressful. She sighed from the pressure.

People's expressions were grim, and whenever the Olympics were mentioned, they frowned. With rising living costs, the Olympics were seen as a luxury. Shockingly, 68% of French citizens thought spending over 10 billion euros on the Olympics during an economic crisis was extravagant.

[Korean Today] BTS Jin at the Paris Olympic torch relay (Photo: Big Hit Music provided) ⓒ Park Chan-doo

Marie Dubois was called in by the committee chair, who said without a groundbreaking idea, this could be the worst Olympics ever. She left in tears. That night, she couldn't sleep, pondering until an idea struck her. The next morning, she presented it in an emergency meeting.

“What we need now is global attention. So, how about inviting a K-POP star as a torchbearer? Specifically, BTS Jin.”

Silence fell over the room.

“That's absurd! This is the French Olympics! Isn't this an affront to our cultural identity? Do you realize the date you mentioned is Bastille Day?”

But Marie Dubois wouldn't give up.

“Wait a minute. BTS has global influence. Their fans are passionate, and they will draw attention to the Olympics. Moreover, this is an excellent opportunity for cultural exchange.”

An emergency meeting was held to discuss this issue, and heated debates followed. Proponents argued that leveraging BTS's passionate fanbase would increase interest in the Olympics. Opponents claimed it would undermine French identity. But Marie Dubois wouldn't give up. Fortunately, her boss was willing to consider it.

“Honestly, we need to try something. Alright, Marie. Gauge the reaction. Talk to media contacts and see what they think, then we'll discuss it again.”

So she began meeting with major media outlets. Their reactions were predictably cold.

“You're bringing a K-POP star as a torchbearer? Then we won't cover it extensively. If BTS is the focus, people will think this is the Seoul Olympics, not Paris.”

Most media outlets had similar reactions. Feeling dejected, she returned to her office when Julien called her.

“Do you really think having a K-POP star will improve public opinion?”

“I believe so. And it will change the perception of the Paris Olympics. They have fans worldwide who will passionately support them. Isn't it worth a try? We should break free from the notion that it must be a French person.”

“Alright then. Try contacting the Korean sponsor. If they refuse, there's nothing we can do. Let's see what they say.”

[Korean Today] BTS Jin at the Paris Olympic torch relay (Photo: Big Hit Music provided) ⓒ Park Chan-doo

She reached out to the sponsor, clinging to hope. Fortunately, the sponsor responded positively, and she nervously contacted BTS's agency.

The agency initially reacted cautiously. But after explaining the significance and importance of the event, they showed interest. She sent materials explaining the purpose of the torch relay and anxiously awaited their response. Finally, they agreed to have Jin as the torchbearer. She was overjoyed.

“I see this participation not just as a promotion but as an opportunity for genuine cultural exchange. I want to share the beauty of French art and culture with Korea.”

The message gave her a boost of confidence. She felt much lighter.

As the torch relay date approached, her heart raced faster. But one thing was clear: this was the right decision. News of BTS Jin's participation had heightened global interest in the Paris Olympics. Social media mentions soared, and sponsor reactions turned positive.

However, on the day of the torch relay, some media remained uncooperative.

“We'll cover this minimally. If BTS Jin gets all the attention, people won't know if this is the Seoul Olympics or the Paris Olympics. We must maintain our French pride.”

A famous broadcaster's comment made her heart sink. But she had to ensure the event's success.

On the day of the event, people began gathering around the Louvre early in the morning. As time passed, the crowd grew.

“Marie, we have a problem. The crowd is uncontrollable.”

Hearing the site manager's urgent voice, Marie Dubois rushed to the scene.

Thousands of people filled the streets. She couldn't hide her amazement. French, Korean, English, and other languages mixed in the air. Flags of South Korea and France waved side by side.

She expected a large turnout but was still surprised by the numbers. Sweat trickled down her back due to safety concerns. Fortunately, BTS fans behaved orderly, preventing major chaos.

[Korean Today] BTS Jin at the Paris Olympic torch relay (Photo: Big Hit Music provided) ⓒ Park Chan-doo

When BTS Jin finally appeared, cheers and applause filled the Paris sky. As Jin started running with the torch, the crowd's reaction intensified. The atmosphere was indescribably electric.

Both French citizens and tourists enjoyed the moment together. When Jin successfully passed the torch to the next runner, another round of cheers erupted.

Embarrassingly, it was the first time she had seen such a large crowd and such positive reactions at a Paris Olympic event. Seeing the positive responses brought tears to her eyes.

When she returned to the office after the event, her team members were beaming.

“Marie, we did it. Social media is buzzing. International media are covering it extensively.”

Reports about the Paris Olympics and BTS Jin topped global trends, with international media racing to cover it. Even French media, usually critical of the Olympics, showed videos of cheering crowds.

ABC News, CNN, and media in the UK, Germany, and India were all abuzz.

“BTS Jin's Paris Olympic torch relay opened a new chapter in cultural diplomacy and conveyed a message of harmony and peace.”

Comments under the articles were overwhelmingly positive. With global enthusiasm, even initially reluctant French media changed their stance.

[Korean Today] BTS Jin at the Paris Olympic torch relay (Photo: Big Hit Music provided) ⓒ Park Chan-doo

The next morning, astonishing results emerged. The official Olympic social media account saw a 30% increase in followers overnight. Jin's video received ten times more views than typical Olympic content. Comments were filled with supportive messages from fans worldwide, and shares skyrocketed.

“Marie, did you see this? Our hashtag is still trending number one globally.”

The Olympic ticket website saw a fivefold increase in visitors compared to the previous day. Even media outlets previously critical of the Olympics began requesting interviews. French media praised the decision as aligning with Olympic spirit.

Changes were evident on French TV news. Morning news detailed the enthusiastic response at the torch relay, with many young people interviewed, most of whom were positive.

“For the first time, I'm interested in the Olympics. I definitely want to go to the stadium this time.”

These reactions made Marie Dubois emotional, confirming she had made the right choice. Even the initially skeptical Minister of Culture praised her during their meeting.

“Honestly, I had doubts at first, but this event showed the world how open and inclusive France is. We've opened a new chapter in cultural diplomacy.”

The minister's words brought tears to her eyes, feeling her efforts were finally recognized.

On her way home, she witnessed something remarkable on the subway. People who usually ignored Olympic posters were now paying close attention. Especially heartwarming was seeing young people, typically cynical about the Olympics, showing interest.

[Korean Today] BTS Jin returning to Incheon Airport after the Paris Olympic torch relay (Photo: News1 provided) ⓒ Park Chan-doo

Experiencing the positive changes from this torch relay, Marie Dubois deeply contemplated the influence of Korean culture and K-POP. She realized it was more than just pop culture; it had the power to unite the world.

BTS Jin's torch relay was not just an event but a symbolic moment breaking cultural barriers. It greatly energized the weary Paris Olympic Committee.

Marie Dubois expressed her desire to visit Korea after successfully concluding the Paris Olympics.

“I've heard Korea's autumn is beautiful. Should I visit in the fall? Or should I see the snowy landscapes of Gangwon-do in winter? Please tell me which season is the most beautiful so I can plan my trip. Until I visit Korea, stay healthy.”

We hope Marie Dubois can have a wonderful, beautiful, and happy trip to Korea after successfully concluding the Paris Olympics.

                                                                             (Reference : YouTube 'Storage of Emotion')

(사)한국블록체인산업협회

블록체인관리사(CBM) 공동시행기관, 블록체인 기술 표준화 연구, 인증, 블록체인 산업대상 시상식 주관기관

www.kbcia.or.kr/

(주)스마일스토리

설립 15주년, 코리안투데이 FC 본사, 벤처기업, 서적출판, 홍보 마케팅

www.smilestory.io

위아 평생교육원

메타버스자격증,블록체인자격증,인공지능자격증,안전교육자격증,블록체인관리사(CBM),메타버스관리사(CMM),인공지능관리사(CAM),안전교육관리사(CEM),SNS마케팅관리사,국제자격시험,미래유망직업

www.smilestory.ac

위아랜드

WIA 국제 자격시험 인증 및 갱신 플랫폼

www.wia.land

인공지능융합학회(AICS)

인공지능 및 관련 산업 학회지, 연구 서적 간행, 세미나, 교육, 학술연구, 임원모집, 심사위원 모집

www.aics.academy/