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Chang Jae-ku, third from left in the front row, chairman of The Hankook Ilbo-The Korea Times Media Group, and Incheon Mayor Ahn Sang-soo, fourth from left in the front row, pose for the camera during a welcoming reception for Mr World 2010 contestants at Goldensky International Resort, Incheon, Friday. Seventy-eight contestants will compete through March 27 to be named ``the most desirable man in the world'' in cities including Seoul, Incheon and Gyeongju. / Korea Times Photo by Park Seo-gang |
By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter
Mr World 2010 kicked off Friday night amid high expectations at the Goldensky International Resort, Incheon.
With the contestants and VIPs present and ready to start the 16-day competition to name ``the world's most desirable man,'' Incheon Mayor Ahn Sang-soo and Chang Jae-ku, chairman of the Hankook Ilbo Media Group, gave welcoming speeches, wishing good luck to all 78 competitors.
``I would like to welcome the chairwoman of the Miss World Organization, Julia Morely, and the staff of the (organization) visiting Korea,'' Chang said.
``I'm very pleased to host the Mr World 2010 contest in Incheon. I expect the contestants to show all their talents and charms to the world through this competition,'' he said. ``You need to fill your heart with beautiful memories and tell your loving friends and family about Korea as you go back to your home country.''
Ahn expressed his excitement to be hosting such an event, expressing hope that the contestants will show their best and make their countries proud.
``It's very exciting to see the most desirable man in the world be chosen in Incheon. (I hope) Incheon will provide the 78 contestants the opportunity to show their passion and ambition,'' Ahn said.
Mr World is not just a beauty pageant, but also a competition that requires physical strength, stamina, leadership and determination. For this year's competition, the contestants' cooking skills will also be put to test in a Korean cooking challenge at the Korea House near Mt. Namsan in Seoul.
Other activities include a volunteer project for Habitat for Humanity International, Andre Kim's charity fashion show, sports challenges and tours around cities including Incheon, Ulsan and Seoul.
A total of 78 men, aged from 18 to 32, will compete for the title, which comes with a prize of 64,000 pounds (about 100 million won). The winner of the Mr World 2010 contest will be chosen at Songdo ConvensiA, Incheon, March 27.
sanghee@koreatimes.co.kr
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