[3] The mascots were selected through a national tender process held in 2014 and were approved of by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on June 2, 2016.

A cultural symbol for prosperity and protection, Baekho is revered as a god who cares for humanity, praying for the peace and well-being of the village in Korean folklore, while maintaining the continuity of Hodori which was the mascot of the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul.

[6] Bandabi is a warm-hearted friend who "has strong will and courage, is at the forefront of equality and harmony," and supports the enthusiasm of the players in the Paralympics so that they can overcome their limitations.

According to Hannah Keyser, a writer for sports news website Deadspin, the mascots could be found "everywhere" during the Olympics, and they were "surprisingly universally beloved".

[10] Dan McQuade, another writer for Deadspin, commented that it will be difficult for Miraitowa and Someity to match the popularity of Soohorang and Bandabi.