The 2008 Olympic flame will arrive in Seoul, South Korea on Sunday. Because the 1988 Olympic Games was held in Seoul, South Koreans have a special connection to the Olympic torch relay.

Our reporter Michael Lee has the details.

Mr. Lin is a staff member in South Korea's SK Group. He is thrilled that another Asian country will hold the Olympic Games.

"Twenty years after the Seoul Olympic Games, the flame of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games will come to South Korea. I am delighted. I hope the torch relay in Seoul will be successful. The torch will go to Pyongyang after Seoul, so the Olympic flame will become a ribbon connecting the Northern and the Southern parts of the Korean Peninsula."

A local youngster says he feels honored by the arrival of the Olympic flame.

"As a resident of Seoul, I feel proud that the torch will come to Seoul. I hope the torch relay in Seoul will be harmonious, because South Korea and China are close neighbors."

A middle-aged teacher says the Olympic Games are a wonderful opportunity for all host countries.

"South Korea made great progress by hosting the Seoul Olympic Games. The Games boosted South Korea's economy. Residents' livelihoods were also improved. South Korean people are all proud of this."

Her words reflect South Koreans' sentiments toward the Olympic Games.

Kim Youngjun, former weight-lifter and professor of physical education at Kyung Hee University, says the Olympic spirit should not be dampened by other elements.

"I'm against associating the Olympics with politics. The Olympic Games is a sports event, and politics should not become its focus. The Tibet issue is China's internal affair. Beijing has the appropriate environment and adequate facilities for the Olympic Games, and I believe the event will turn out a big success."

Michael Lee, CRI News.