One of the noblest aims of the Olympic movement is for athletes of all different nationalities allover the world to set aside their differences and political conflicts to come together in the spirit of peace and try their best but finish last as epitomising the “Olympic spirit”.
While North and South Korea have been in a frosty relationship ever since they were divided following the end of World War II. Olympic gymnasts Hong Un-Jong, of North Korea, and Lee Eun-Ju, of South Korea, met during a practice session in Rio and showed major camaraderie by posing for a selfie together.
Gymnasts from North & South Korea take a selfie together. This is why we do the Olympics. pic.twitter.com/Id44OuehN3
— ian bremmer (@ianbremmer) August 5, 2016
The two athletes are being praised for their sportsmanship despite tense relationships between their countries. It’s well-known that North Korea and South Korea have a tense relationship, but two of their gymnasts seem to have just earned gold medals in diplomacy but a simple selfie taken by two young Olympic gymnasts has already become one of the iconic moments of the Rio 2016 Olympics.
The North and South Korean gymnasts were seen chatting and laughing together as they prepared to compete in the qualification for the artistic women’s gymnastics.
North Korean Jo Yong-suk and South Korean Hwang Seongeun, both competing for shooting, talked to each other in a comfortable mood. Hwang reportedly gave a small box of snack to Jo as she left.
