Athletes From North and South Korea Pose Together For Selfie

At the 2024 Paris Olympics, North and South Korean athletes received widespread praise after taking a selfie together following the mixed doubles table tennis ceremony. South Korea’s Lim Jong-hoon and Shin Yu-bi won bronze, while North Korea’s Ri Jong-sik and Kim Kum-yong secured silver, behind China’s Wang Chuqin and Sun Yingsha, who took gold. After the medals were awarded, Lim used his camera to capture a moment of unity, with the athletes posing together in a heartwarming display.

The selfie quickly went viral on social media, with many viewers applauding the athletes for their rare show of camaraderie despite the long-standing political tensions between their countries. Comments highlighted the moment as an example of Olympic values and a heartening instance of “sport diplomacy” and cultural relations. The positive reaction emphasized the power of sports to bring people together across political divides.

In another act of goodwill, the North Korean athletes saluted their South Korean counterparts before receiving their silver medals. Journalist Tancredi Palmeri noted this gesture on Twitter, adding to the appreciation and admiration from the public. North Korea’s participation in the Paris Games marks their return to the Olympics after a hiatus due to strict COVID-19 border controls.

This moment of unity was especially significant as it was the first time North Korean athletes had competed in the Olympics since the Pyeongchang Winter Games in 2018. The Paris Games have provided a platform for these athletes to reconnect and celebrate their shared achievements, demonstrating that sports can transcend political barriers and foster mutual respect and understanding.