"Don't Call it North Korea," Demands the North Korean Asian Games Delegation to be Called "DPR Korea"

Sports competitions between South Korea and North Korea have always garnered international attention. This time, the match between the South Korean women's basketball team and the North Korean women's basketball team at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games has drawn significant interest. However, after this game, a statement from a North Korean delegation member has become the subject of discussion.

 

In conclusion, the statement from the North Korean delegation member reflects a determination to use North Korea's formal name accurately and represents a sense of identity.

 

During the official press conference held after the game, Coach Jung Sung-sim, the head coach of the North Korean women's basketball team, stated, "We are not North Korea; we are DPR Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea)." This statement has captured intriguing views on the relationship between South and North Korea, and it requires interpretation and understanding as to why such a statement was made.

 

Firstly, North Korea officially designates itself as the "Democratic People's Republic of Korea." This is North Korea's formal name and holds significant symbolic meaning for the North Korean government and its citizens. But why did a North Korean delegation member say, "We are not North Korea; we are DPR Korea"?

 

This statement aims to represent the nation accurately by using North Korea's formal name. The North Korean delegation member argued that when mentioning their country in international competitions, the precise term "DPR Korea" should be used instead of "North Korea." This is interpreted as a display of the North Korean delegation's determination and pride in accurately representing their country on the international stage.

 

Such a statement becomes understandable when considering North Korea's history and political context. North Korea has consistently insisted that it should be referred to as the "Democratic People's Republic of Korea" rather than just "North Korea." This can be seen as an emphasis on North Korea's sovereignty and identity. North Korea defines itself as a republic built on democracy and socialism, and the term "DPR Korea" reflects these ideologies and philosophies.

 

Of course, such statements may not always align with the international atmosphere. Calling North Korea "North Korea" can be a sensitive issue, considering the ongoing tensions between North and South Korea and North Korea's nuclear weapons program. However, the statement from the North Korean delegation member can also be interpreted as a positive expression of North Korea's intention to represent itself accurately and a demonstration of national pride.

 

Such statements are important in the context of relations with North Korea. Sports competitions between South and North Korea always have a political backdrop and can serve as crucial tools in promoting dialogue and cooperation between the two nations. In this context, the statement from the North Korean delegation member may be seen as respecting North Korea's sovereignty and opening up possibilities for dialogue and cooperation between the two countries.

 

In conclusion, the statement from the North Korean delegation member reflects a determination to use North Korea's formal name accurately and represents a sense of identity. In the complex situations that arise between international relations and sports competitions, such statements hold significant meaning and can be seen as a path to open up possibilities for dialogue and cooperation between the two countries.