North Korean winter athletes arrive in South Korea amid the continution of controversy

North Korean athletes arrive at the the Olympic Village in Gangneung

North Korean athletes arrive at the the Olympic Village in Gangneung, South Korea, February 1, 2018. REUTERS/Kim Hong-Ji Source: Getty Image

A North Korean figure skating pair arrived in South Korea on Thursday by airplane, along with eight athletes, to compete in the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics that will begin next week.


The figure skating pair were the only North Koreans to have secured a spot at the Winter Games through the conventional qualifying competition.

Despite losing their place after failing to register, they were handed one quota place by the International Olympic Committee last month.

Three alpine skiers, three cross-country skiers and two short-track skaters accompanied the pair, according to South Korea's Ministry of Unification.

The North Korean athletes and delegation led by Won Kil U, the country's vice minister of physical culture and sports, immediately boarded a bus for the athletes' village in Gangneung, one of the Games venues.

More details from Jung-sik Seo


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