Mr World 2010 D-1
By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter
They learned taekwondo kicks together, chopped carrots side by side and shared in their nervousness backstage before walking the runway.
The preliminaries of the Mr World 2010 contest ― sporting, talent, cooking and fashion challenges ― tested the inner and outer strengths of the participants, but their competitive spirit was more friendly than fierce.
The event, bringing together 74 young men from different corners of the world, was an opportunity for cultural exchanges and camaraderie.
``How else could I meet all these guys from different parts of the world, like my good friend here? I'm having the best time,'' said Canada's Ron Wear about buddy Kendrick Kemp from the Bahamas.
Spending time in Korea also meant discovering the local culture. They visited museums, temples and national parks. The young men shopped in downtown Seoul and did stretches with locals at Mt. Nam. They even got a peek at North Korea at an observatory in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ).
``I like Sandara Park,'' said Mr Philippines Alvin De Joya about the Korean singer who has become famous in his home country. ``I learned Korean for two days before coming here and I really like it.''
The past 15 days were only the preparatory steps for the moment of truth, when ``the world's most desirable man'' will be crowned at Songdo ConvensiA, Incheon.
