North And South Korean Athletes Make History With Selfie At The Olympics

By Khadija Pervez in Sports On 2nd August 2024
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A single picture from the 2024 Paris Olympics has deeply touched people all around the globe.

It managed to capture a powerful moment showing how even nations with conflicts can find unity.

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The Olympics is designed to be a special time for countries worldwide to come together and compete on a grand stage for some of the highest honors in their sports.

Occasionally, people might lose sight of this spirit. 

Ri Jong Sik and Kum Yong Kim with their silver medals. Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images

However, one particular picture is going viral on social media, emphasizing the essence of international cooperation and enjoyment.

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If you had to guess which two countries would be the least likely to hug and smile for a photo together on the podium, you’d probably think North Korea and South Korea would be quite far down your list.

Yet, the world was fortunate enough to witness a historic moment after the mixed table tennis doubles event.

In this competition, China’s team won the gold medal, North Korea secured the silver, and South Korea took home the bronze. 

China's Wang Chuqin and Sun Yingsha (centre), North Korea's Ri Jong Sik and Kim Kum Yong (left), and South Korea's Lim Jonghoon and Shin Yu-bin (right). Yao Yingkang/Zhejiang Daily/VCG via Getty Images

On the podium, North Korea's Ri Jong Sik and Kim Kum Yong, South Korea’s Shin Yu-bin, and the victorious Chinese team members Wang Chuqin and Sun Yingsha all came together for a group selfie.

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This moment is especially significant given that earlier this year, North Korea’s leader Kim Jong-un declared South Korea as its primary enemy and announced that peaceful reunification was no longer a goal.

On Twitter, many have pointed out just how momentous this event is.

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One user posted: “These might just be the most significant photos from the @Paris2024 Olympics.”

Another user noted, “North & South Korea coming together, with China, for a group selfie after the table tennis mixed doubles finals. A praiseworthy moment of sportsmanship, friendship & peace!”

People have praised the teams for the historic selfie. Zhao Wenyu/China News Service/VCG via Getty Images

Another tweet highlighted their overall behavior, saying: 

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“What a fantastic gesture from North Korea athletes: before receiving silver medal, they step down from the podium and go round to salute expressively the South Korea athletes who got bronze medal.”

A third comment read, “This is the Olympics, this is the Olympic spirit. I hope the young people enjoy it.”

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Another person shared, “This is why the Olympics are so important. It warms my heart. I would love to see this selfie.”

The Olympics provide a rare opportunity for interactions between North and South Koreans, even though both nations are technically still at war with each other.

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