The 2024 Paris Olympics opened with an embarrassing gaffe as South Korean athletes were mistakenly introduced as representatives of North Korea. During the live broadcast, the announcer referred to the South Korean delegation as the “Democratic People’s Republic of Korea,” which is North Korea’s official name. The error sparked outrage and swift apologies from the Olympic Games organizers.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) expressed deep regret, acknowledging the mistake. Jang Mi Ran, South Korea’s second vice minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, requested a meeting with IOC President Thomas Bach to address the incident. Additionally, South Korea’s Foreign Ministry plans to file a formal complaint with the French government.
IOC President Bach personally called South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol to apologize. President Yoon conveyed the embarrassment felt by the South Korean people and urged Bach to issue a public apology via media channels. Bach assured Yoon that measures would be taken to prevent similar blunders in the future.
This incident underscores the delicate relations between South Korea and North Korea, which have remained strained since World War II. While the boat carrying the South Korean athletes displayed their correct national flag, the misannouncement echoed a similar mishap during the 2012 London Olympics.
Organizers are now working diligently to ensure accurate representation of all participating nations throughout the global sporting event .
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