The torch carrier for next year's Winter Olympics in South Korea. [Yonhap News Photo]
The chief organizer of next year's Winter Olympics was confident of North Korea's presence in South Korea despite high military tensions caused by North Korea's ballistic missile launches and nuclear test that would invite tough sanctions against the isolated country.
Pyongyang has yet to declare its participation in the Winter Games in South Korea's eastern ski resort of Pyeongchang. President Moon Jae-in has suggested the North's participation would boost publicity and ticket sales. IOC President Thomas Bach has supported Moon's initiative.
"Sports are sports. We should not confuse sports with politics," organizing committee head Lee Hee-beom told reporters. "North Korea will come, and I see various signs."
Lee said North Korea took part in the 1988 Olympics hosted by Seoul, although the political situation was not favorable at that time.
Jitters are growing among Pyeongchang Olympic organizers following North Korea's latest nuclear test that heightened political tensions in Northeast Asia. Led by the United States and its allies, the United Nations Security Council is working on tough sanctions.
reporter
Lim Chang-won
cwlim34@ajunews.com
