The North Korean table tennis silver medalists who practiced some selfie love with the competition at the Paris Olympics could face disciplinary action for “grinning” from the podium.
North Korea’s Kim Kum-yong is under scrutiny for smiling in a victory photo next to South Korean athletes, who hail from an enemy country, the Telegraph reported.
Table tennis partner Ri Jong-sik could face consequences for smiling with the gold medal winners from China and bronze medal winners from South Korea after stepping off the podium.
The photo of the athletes from two warring countries went viral around the world for its moment of sportsmanship.
But not in North Korea, which is helmed by dictator Kim Jong Un.
Since arriving home on Aug. 15, the North Korean team is undergoing a month-long “cleanse” from “exposure to contamination,” the Daily NK reported.
Such a “cleanse” is reportedly a three-stage ideological assessment process by the country’s ministry of sport, targeted at ridding the players of any remaining influence of “non-socialist” culture.
North Korean athletes were reportedly given “special instructions” not to interact with South Koreans or other foreign athletes at the Olympics, or face consequences.
If the players have contradicted the Central Party’s directives, they could be penalized, though the punishment wasn’t clear.
When North Korea’s football team failed to score a goal at the World Cup in 2010, they were publicly admonished and had to bear a “six-hour barrage of criticism,” according to the Telegraph.
The team’s coach was banished to construction work.
Latest Stories
-
Netflix debuts Grain Media’s explosive film
8 mins -
‘Expired’ rice scandal: FDA is complicit; top officials must be fired – Ablakwa
42 mins -
#TheManifestoDebate: We’ll provide potable water, expand water distribution network – NDC
1 hour -
IPR Ghana@50: Pupils educated to keep the environment clean
1 hour -
PenTrust CEO named ‘Best Pensions CEO’, company wins ‘Scheme Administrator Award’ at Ghana Accountancy & Finance Awards 2024
1 hour -
Alan Kyerematen’s ‘Brighter Future for Health Professionals’ in Ghana Revealed in Bono
2 hours -
#TheManifestoDebate: NPP will ensure a safer, cleaner and greener environment – Dr Kokofu
2 hours -
2024 Election: Police to deal with individuals who will cause trouble – IGP
2 hours -
Seychelles President’s visit rekindles historical and diplomatic ties with Ghana
2 hours -
Election 2024: EC destroys defective ballot papers for Ahafo and Volta regions
2 hours -
2024 Election: I am sad EC disqualified me, but I endorse CPP’s candidate – PNP’s Nabla
2 hours -
I want to build a modern, inclusive country anchored by systems and data – Bawumia to CSOs
2 hours -
Miss Health Ghana 2024: Kujori Esther Cachana crowned new Health Ambassador
3 hours -
Playback: The manifesto debate on WASH and climate change
3 hours -
Alan Kyerematen saddened by NDC and NPP’s neglect of Krofrom Market in the Ashanti Region
3 hours