Olympic organizers have issued a “deep apology” following a significant error at the opening ceremony in Paris, where South Korea’s athletes were mistakenly introduced as North Korea.
Mistaken identity on the Seine
As the jubilant, flag-waving South Korean team floated down the River Seine, both French and English announcers introduced them as the “Democratic People’s Republic of Korea” – the official name for North Korea. This mistake occurred despite the subtitle running across the bottom of the television broadcast correctly identifying the team as South Korea. When North Korea’s delegation sailed past, the announcers used the correct name.
The error is particularly sensitive given the long-standing division between the two Koreas since the end of World War II, with recent tensions further escalating.
Official responses and complaints
In response to the blunder, the South Korean sports ministry has announced plans to lodge a “strong complaint with France on a government level.” The ministry’s statement expressed “regret over the announcement… where the South Korean delegation was introduced as the North Korean team.” Jang Mi-ran, South Korea’s second vice sports minister and a 2008 Olympic weightlifting champion, has demanded a meeting with Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach to address the issue.
Apology from the IOC
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) also issued an apology on its official Korean-language X account, stating: “We would like to offer a deep apology over the mistake that occurred in the introduction of the South Korean delegation during the opening ceremony.”
South Korea, formally known as the Republic of Korea, has sent 143 athletes to compete in this year’s Olympics across 21 sports. In contrast, North Korea has sent 16 athletes, marking their first participation in the games since Rio 2016.
