"We will not forcibly make contact with North Korea," Yoo Seung-min (Chairman) states firmly, why? [Nagoya Field Report]

*This content was translated by AI.

"I do not intend to forcibly make contact with North Korea."

Yoo Seung-min, President of the Korean Olympic Committee, stated firmly. This was in response to a question about whether he would have an opportunity to meet with North Korean sports officials during the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya (Japan) Asian Games. While meeting with North Korean counterparts as the head of South Korea's sports community could hold significance, it is Yoo (Chairman)'s firm belief that there is no need to force such an opportunity.

During an interview with domestic reporters at the Main Media Center (MMC) in Nagoya, Japan, on the 24th, Yoo Seung-min (Chairman) responded to a related question by saying, "To be honest, this kind of interaction should ideally involve mutual engagement; doing it alone is not something I am accustomed to," and added, "Isn't table tennis always about hitting the ball back and forth?"

While Yoo Seung-min (Chairman) clarified that he does not harbor hostility toward North Korea, he also noted, "When I offered a smile first, even if we didn't exchange words, if there was a reciprocal smile, it might have created some positive atmosphere. However, since there is no such mood at all, we are being cautious."

Given the chilly inter-Korean climate and North Korea's similarly cold response from its sports community, Yoo (Chairman) explained that there is no need for South Korea to unilaterally take the initiative to approach them.

Since Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un defined inter-Korean relations as "hostile two-state relations" in 2023, tensions between the North and South sports communities have persisted. At this Asian Games, if South Korean athletes win gold medals and the national anthem plays in the stadium, North Korean officials reportedly remain seated instead of standing to show respect.

Yoo Seung-min (Chairman) smiled while saying, "We are already so busy taking care of our own South Korean athletes that we barely have time," but continued with his firm stance: "To be honest, I do not think it is appropriate for us to go over there and try to force interactions."

Of course, Yoo Seung-min (Chairman)'s firm belief reflects the current chilly inter-Korean climate. If there is any possibility of improving North-South relations in the future, he clearly holds the conviction that the sports community should take the lead.

Yoo Seung-min (Chairman) emphasized, "When a certain level of positive momentum for improving inter-Korean relations forms, it is clear that sports can play the most proactive role," adding, "I believe this reflects the true value of sports."

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*This content was translated by AI.