[1][2] The director of the organizing committee, Oh Jang-hwan, stated the event will have a "festival atmosphere to recognize and celebrate the athletes' hard work and achievements at the games."

Combining music, dance and art, the ceremony tells the story of "The Next Wave," while emphasizing the "human spirit of perseverance.

[2] The flag was raised again in Tokyo, Japan for the 2020 Summer Olympics on 23 July 2021 for the opening ceremony.

[a] Beijing, the host city of the 2022 Winter Olympic Games, presented a special performance See You in Beijing in 2022 directed by Chinese film director Zhang Yimou, who also presented the 2008 Summer Olympics opening and closing ceremonies.

China's Paramount leader Xi Jinping made a cameo appearance by video expressing the welcome message on behalf of the Chinese people.