A total of 887 active and retired athletes in 56 events have been named honorary PE teachers to share their expertise with students, according to the ministry.

Among the players were Olympic medalists, including Lee Yong-dae, a South Korean shuttler; and Toby Dawson, a freestyle skiing medalist and a South Korean adoptee, as well as many former and current national team members, the ministry said.

Each athlete will visit a school at least once a semester until the end of this year to lead gym classes and after-school special programs, while holding diverse events such as seminars and signing events for students, according to the ministry.

The ceremony to celebrate their appointment will be held later in the day, while the selection, on the recommendation of the Korea Sports Council, will continue until the end of this month to bring the number of the pool to 1,000, it added.

The importance of physical education at school has grown in recent months in the wake of rampant school violence across the country, as it is regarded as one of the most effective ways for students to vent their energy. The nationwide adoption of the five-day school week from this month also boosted the demand for sports activities. (Yonhap News)