Scheduled to conclude on March 12, Park Ji-won who won the Crystal Globe this season, will lead the charge for the hosts at the Mokdong Ice Rink.

The Seoul-born racer excelled in the 1,000 metres and 1,500m distances and with teammate Hong Kyung Hwan’s speed the only thing that can challenge him.

Compatriots Kim Tae Sung and Lee June Seo are also tipped to challenge the Globe winner.

Meanwhile, Beijing 2022 5,000m relay champions Pascal Dion and Steven Dubois of Canada have enough talent in them to upset the home favourites.

Three-time Olympic gold medallist Suzanne Schulting of The Netherlands will be the one to beat among women.

After having missed out on the World Championships in Montreal after testing positive for COVID-19, there would be extra motivation for the 25-year-old to prove herself on the world stage again.

The women’s Crystal Globe winner is the favourite for gold across distances and will be battling another multiple world and Olympic in South Korean Choi Min-jeong.

Choi won gold in the 1,000m, 1,500m, 3,000m relay and the overall title last year.

Schulting’s compatriot Xandra Velzeboer, an Olympic relay gold medallist, is also tipped to challenge for titles in the South Korean capital.

German Anna Seidel, Natalia Maliszewska of Poland and American Kristen Santos-Griswold will ensure some world-class battles in Seoul.