July 31, (THEWILL) – A selfie taken at the 2024 Paris Olympics has become a symbol of unity between North and South Korea. The photo, featuring table tennis players from both nations alongside Chinese athletes on the medal podium, has gone viral in South Korea.
The image was captured after South Korea won bronze and North Korea claimed silver in the mixed doubles event, with China taking gold. South Korean player, Lim Jong-hoon, used his phone to take the group photo, which included North Korean athletes, Ri Jong Sik and Kim Kum Yong, as well as South Korea’s Shin Yu-bin and the Chinese gold medallists.
This moment of camaraderie comes at a time of heightened tensions between the two Koreas. Earlier this year, North Korea declared South Korea its main enemy, making the friendly interaction on the Olympic stage particularly noteworthy. It also marks North Korea’s first Olympic podium appearance since 2016, as the country did not send athletes to the Tokyo Olympics due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
South Korean media have extensively covered the selfie, with many commentators highlighting its significance as a rare display of cross-border harmony.
The widespread circulation of the selfie and the positive reactions it has generated underscore the enduring power of sport to bring people together, even in the face of political divisions.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
