North Korean athletes punished for viral ‘2024 Olympics’ moment sparks public outrage

North Korean athletes were part of one of the most iconic moments in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris — and now they are reportedly being punished for it.

While all Olympic participants received the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 Olympic Edition, North Korean athletes were excluded due to UN sanctions against their country over its nuclear and missile programs. Despite this, the medal-winning athletes joined others in taking “victory selfies,” sharing a rare but historic moment of camaraderie with South Korean and Chinese athletes.

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These photos quickly went viral and attracted worldwide attention.

The South Korean guest took the selfie. The Chinese lady suggested another angle. The North Korean champions laughed.

We can absolutely coexist peacefully in our region without the constant US interference that sows division between us. photo.twitter.com/ImmGbq2Bk7

— 凯王 Kai Wong (@Kai_Wong_CN) July 30, 2024

What at first glance seemed like a simple sporting act, however, raised concerns about the potential consequences for the North Korean athletes involved.

Reports soon emerged that the North Korean athletes who took part in the selfies are now facing ideological inspections in Pyongyang. According to a high-level source cited by Daily NK on August 21, the North Korean Olympic Committee delegation and the athletes are undergoing a strict ideological evaluation process.

North Korean athletes could be punished for viral moments at the 2024 Olympics

The month-long review is intended to ensure that the athletes have not been influenced by “non-socialist cultures” during their time abroad. The scrutiny has raised alarm bells, with many fearing that the athletes could face severe punishments despite their success in winning two silver and four bronze medals.

In fact, it has sparked public outrage in South Korea, where people have expressed their disappointment over the situation. A post on the popular South Korean online forum theqoo, which has garnered more than 27,000 views, has generated widespread criticism of North Korean rule.

• “Such countries should not be allowed to participate in the Olympic Games.”
• “That country is crazy. They shouldn’t be allowed into the Olympics.”
• “If this is how it goes, just ban them from the Olympics.”
• “Why did they even let them participate in the Olympics if they behave like this?”
• “Ugh, what a bunch of lunatics.”
• “Oh no… ;;”
• “Sigh, North Korean athletes will have to be very careful who they hang out with from now on… I feel so sorry for them.”
• “Why can’t they just let this go? This is such a shame…”

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