Against sporting norms, S.Korea bans N.Korea flags at Olympic qualifier event

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Against sporting norms, S.Korea bans N.Korea flags at Olympic qualifier event

South Korean authorities insist waving DPRK flag violates National Security Act

Chad O'Carroll April 6, 2017

Against sporting norms, S.Korea bans N.Korea flags at Olympic qualifier event

NK News

South Korea has banned spectators from carrying flags to support North Korean athletes at an ongoing test events program for the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Games, organizers confirmed to NK News on Wednesday: a decision seemingly counter to international sporting norms.

The ban, which was not communicated to the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) currently overseeing the test events in Gangneung, means only South Korean spectators can bear the flag of their national team at Thursday's inter-Korean ice hockey match in Gangneung, South Korea.

About the Author

Chad O'Carroll

Chad O'Carroll is the founder of NK News/NK Pro and related holding company Korea Risk Group. In addition to being the group's CEO, O'Carroll is a frequent writer and commentator about the Koreas, having written about the two nations since 2010. He has visited the DPRK multiple times, worked and lived in Washington, D.C. with a focus on peninsula issues, and lived in the ROK since 2016.

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