[Economy 365]

A send-off ceremony has been held for the South Korean national team competing in the 2026 Shanghai WorldSkills Competition.

Opening on the 22nd of next month, this year's competition will bring together 1,399 participants from 73 countries around the world to compete across 64 skill categories.

South Korea will send 56 athletes to compete in 50 categories, including cabinet making, baking, and cybersecurity.

South Korea has won 640 medals and achieved overall victory 19 times in past WorldSkills competitions.

At the previous competition held in Lyon, France in 2024, the country finished as the overall runner-up and is now aiming for its 20th overall title at this event.

Winning the championship would mark the country's first overall victory in 11 years since 2015.

*This article was produced using AI audio.