Paris Olympics Opens with Whimsical Ceremony

The 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony featured a mysterious masked torchbearer who captivated audiences with rooftop parkour and a journey through Paris' iconic landmarks. Designed by Mathieu Lehanneur, the torch was passed to French football legend Zinedine Zidane. The ceremony, held on the River Seine and marked by rainy weather, included standout performances by Lady Gaga and a floating rendition of 'Imagine' with a flaming piano. BTS' Jin's participation as a torchbearer sparked controversy, but it was clarified that his selection followed standard protocols and was endorsed by Samsung. The event mixed cultural references and innovative designs, drawing both praise and criticism for its unconventional approach.