Tensions have been escalating on the Korean Peninsula as governments on both sides continue to engage in military posturing in recent weeks.
Balloons carrying trash have been observed crossing the border and landing in South Korean population centers, reports say.
During the Olympics in Paris this week, a table tennis match featuring players from North and South Korea resulted in a moment of sports diplomacy. Medalists were seen celebrating together on the podium and taking a selfie together.
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In a photo captured by Associated Press photographer Petros Giannakouris, South Korea’s Lim Jonghoon is seen taking a selfie with North Korea’s Ri Jong-sik and Kim Kum-yong. China’s Wang Chuqin and Sun Yingsha, as well as South Korean teammate Shin Yubin, also joined in during the 2024 Summer Olympics medal ceremony.
This positive moment for the region’s players comes after a recent incident at the Olympics that almost turned into a controversy before officials issued an apology.
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Organizers of the 2024 Games expressed deep regret for mistakenly introducing South Korea’s athletes as being from North Korea during the opening ceremony in Paris.
Mark Adams, an IOC spokesperson, stated that the organization “wholeheartedly” apologized for the error, referring to it as an “operational mistake.”
