Kangta completes torch relay for Guangzhou Asian Games

Singer Kangta in Guangzhou, China [SM Entertainment]

Korean singer Kangta completed his run in the torch relay for the 16th Guangzhou 2010 Asian Games yesterday.

According to a press release by SM Entertainment, Kangta received the torch Thursday as the 95th runner of the games and ran about 100 meters starting from front gate of Guangzhou University.

A total of 2,010 people were selected as torch runners for the Guangzhou Asiad including local celebrities such as singer and actor Alan Tam, pianist Lang Lang and singer and actress Charlene Choi. Kangta was the only foreigner invited to the relay.

SM added that thousands of locals gathered to cheer the torch bearers, the number only getting larger as Kangta’s fans rushed to the segment covered by the 31-year-old singer.

“I was delighted and deeply honored by this opportunity to run as a torchbearer of the Guangzhou Asian Games. I thank all my fans in Asia for rooting me and I wish all goes well with the event till the end,” said Kangta, quoted by the press release immediately after the torch relay.

After passing the torch to the next runner, Kangta went to attend a torch relay ritual also participated by local TV celebrities including actress Zhang Ziyi. At the ritual he sang “Hand in Hand,” the official theme song to the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games.

Kangta's image will be displayed in a stamp series titled “I am a torch runner” which is being issued in commemoration of the latest China-hosted games.

Kangta, whose real name is Ahn Chil-hyun, was a former member of SM’s first idol group “H.O.T.” that ruled the dance scene in the 90s. He began his solo career in 2001 with his songs like “Polaris,” “Last Summer Night” and “Persona.” He is to release a new album in China at the end of the year.

Reporter : Heidi Kim heidikim@
Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@