The upcoming Incheon Asian Games’ opening ceremony can hardly be described as a lavish showpiece extravaganza, as was the case in some recent mega sports events.

It will send a simple but powerful message to all Asians: “Unite as one,” its artistic director said Wednesday.

Jang Jin, a renowned film director in charge of the ceremony, unveiled details of the show, which will kick off Asia’s biggest sports event in the western port city of Incheon on Sept. 9.

“It will project a journey from prehistoric days, when Asia was one, till now and to the future in which we will unite as one once again,” he told reporters during a press conference in Seoul.

“Instead of an overwhelming display of scale, technology and budget, we are making it all about the message,” he added.

Telling that message will be Korean A-list stars with proven ticket power, a tactic the debt-ridden host city is relying on to ensure that the event is profitable.

They include EXO, Jang Dong-gun, Kim Soo-hyun, JYJ and Psy.

K-pop boy band EXO will take the stage in a pre-concert before the official opening ceremony begins with the arrival of the torch.

Actor Jang is the hero in the first act of the main four-act show, which depicts ancient days when Asia had no conflicts or divisions.

The second act will feature heartthrob Kim, the star of TV drama “My Love from Star,” embarking on an ocean voyage to meet people from every corner of Asia. In the third and fourth acts, various musicians and artists will present performances that symbolize the revolutions that led to today’s Asia and project what the future holds.

K-Pop trio JYJ will sing the Games’ official theme song “Only One.” The grand finale will be Psy’s, a Korean rapper who shot to international stardom with his song “Gangnam Style.”

By Lee Sun-young (milaya@heraldcorp.com)