North Korean Athletes May Be Punished Following Viral Selfie With South Korean Team at Paris Olympics

During the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, a viral moment occurred when North and South Korean athletes were seen taking a selfie together.

Following the incident, Daily NK reports that the North Korean athletes who returned home are now being closely monitored in Pyongyang and will go through a three-stage evaluation process.

They’re required to “cleanse” their ideology

The North Korean Olympic Committee and athletes who went to the Olympics have been getting an ideological evaluation in Pyongyang since they came back on the 15th.

The review process kicked off right after the athletes got back, with a push to “cleanse” their ideology as quickly as possible.

“Cleansing their ideology” is required as North Korea views the act of being abroad as a risk of exposure to non-socialist cultures, which they consider a form of contamination.

The athletes could face punishment

Based on reports, the athletes will go through a three-stage evaluation process: first by the Central Party, then by the Ministry of Sports, and finally their own self-assessment.

Before the Olympics, the athletes were specifically told not to interact with foreign athletes, including Korean athletes. If it’s confirmed that they broke this rule, they’re likely to face punishment.

The ideological review will last for a month

Reports also suggest that athletes who didn’t perform well could also be criticised and penalised during this review. In the past, athletes who fell short in international competitions were punished with 1 to 2 months of unpaid labour.

However, it’s still unclear whether North Korean authorities will impose actual punishment or settle the issue with a lighter approach, like issuing a warning or calling for self-reflection.

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