In sports, the world's biggest swimming competition is now underway... in Korea's southwestern city of Gwangju.
For a closer look,... our Kan Hyeong-woo files this report from Gwangju.
Swimmers and divers from across the world are making waves of peace in the city of Gwangju.
Under the slogan 'Dive into Peace',... the 18th FINA World Championships have officially kicked off... with the opening ceremony at Gwangju Women's University Universiade Gymnasium on Friday night.
"Residents of Gwangju, volunteers, thank you for your efforts. Athletes from all over the world, welcome. I hope this festival of freedom, challenge and friendship can shine brightly. I now announce the opening of the 18th FINA World Championships Gwangju 2019."
A variety of performances and music concerts lit up the site and put on a show for the spectators.
Embracing the theme 'Fountain of Light',... the opening ceremony first illustrated human greed polluting the ocean and then showed Gwangju's water bringing the sea back to life.
The 18th FINA World Championships Gwangju has set records for the most number of participating athletes and countries,... with some 26-hundred swimmers from over 190 countries coming to Korea.
Over the course of 17 days,... aquatic athletes will compete for a total of 76 gold medals in swimming, diving, high diving, artistic swimming, open water and water polo at five venues - four in Gwangju and one in Yeosu.
"With the 2019 FINA World Championships officially opened in Gwangju,... athletes from all over the world will keep their eyes on the prize... and hope to make a record-setting splash. Kan Hyeong-woo, Arirang News, Gwangju"
