South Korea offers to join ice hockey team with North Korea and march into Winter Olympics ceremony together

Two teams could march together under a unified flag despite the nations still being at war

Jack de Menezes
Friday 12 January 2018 06:26 EST
Comments
South Korean Unification Minister Cho Myoung-Gyon (R) shakes hands with the head of the North Korean delegation Ri Son-Gwon during talks this week
South Korean Unification Minister Cho Myoung-Gyon (R) shakes hands with the head of the North Korean delegation Ri Son-Gwon during talks this week (Getty)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

South Korea is looking into the possibility of a shared women’s ice hockey team with North Korea at the 2018 Winter Olympics after talks between the two nations this week.

North Korea confirmed on Tuesday that it will send a delegation of athletes to the Olympics, which take place in Pyeongchang next month, despite the two countries technically still being at war.

During the talks, which are the first to take place between the North and South in more than two years, South Korea’s second vice-minister for tradition, sports activities and tourism brought up the possibility of combining the women’s ice hockey team.

The offer has not been confirmed by North Korea officials yet, but they have announced that a delegation will be sent to compete at the Winter Olympics – including a ‘cheering squad’ – in what is seen as a major step forwards in improving relations between the two nations.

An offer has also been made by the South to have both countries’ athletes walk into the Opening Ceremony together under a unified flag, although like the ice hockey proposal, a resolution has not yet been reached.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in