SOUTH KOREA:SOUTH KOREA has caused serious embarrassment by flashing tantalising images of the Olympic opening ceremony in spectacular technicolour, just over a week before China unveils its highly secret debut at the Bird's Nest Olympic Stadium.
A South Korean television station broadcast 30 seconds of the sneak preview footage after a reporter with the Seoul Broadcasting System managed to walk into the National Stadium during a rehearsal on Monday.
The images, which can be seen on the internet, show stunning video of floating 3D humpback whales, kung fu fighters and trapeze gymnasts, and give a tantalising glimpse of what is to come on August 8th.
While the incident is embarrassing, it certainly shows that something special is in store for the opening ceremony.
The whole event is being orchestrated by the top Chinese film director Zhang Yimou.
In one segment, thousands of white cubes are moved by people to form waves suggesting the explosive growth of high-rise cities in China.
A giant green and blue globe can be seen. Large whales will figure, as will dancers dressed as ancient soldiers from the Tomb of Unknown Warriors. Lang Lang, the great pianist, is sure to figure, as is Jackie Chan, the Hong Kong-born actor.
News of the footage did not go down well with the Beijing organisers.
This is a massive breach of secrecy, sure to cause repercussions among China's fledgling television networks, as well as the Koreans who bought the rights. The Beijing Olympics spokesman, Sun Weide, said the footage was obtained by "irregular means" and questioned the professional standards of the reporter.
The secrecy surrounding the opening ceremony has been so intense that design and production teams and the thousands of cast members have been required to sign confidentiality agreements. Breaches are said to be punishable by up to seven years' jail.
Tickets for the games have sold out, but some tickets are being sold on the black market for 10 times their face value.