The Olympics Selfie: When Sports Transcended Political Fault Lines (image-X/RitabrataBanerj)
The two countries are known for their famous rivalry and escalating tensions. In January, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un declared that the country has “no intention of avoiding” war with neighbouring South Korea. But a recent incident from the Paris Olympics 2024 presents a completely opposite emotion, surpassing governments and politics and embodying a more humane response.
Following the table tennis match at the Olympics, the two teams from the opposing countries engaged in a conversation. Joining them were athletes from the China team. The players from the three countries posed for a selfie that broke the internet.
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The now viral photo captures the wholesome and symbolic moment ahead of their victory in the mixed doubles competition when one of the South Korean players snapped a photo of the players with sponsor Samsung, a South Korean conglomerate.
Observing the moment where sports transcended politics, several netizens echoed the message of peace and love. “This makes me happy to see. I hope someday they will have a chance to have more moments like this,” said one X user.
North and South Korean athletes take a selfie together at the Olympicspic.twitter.com/y1ZmWlae3u
— Massimo (@Rainmaker1973) July 31, 2024
“This is a beautiful gesture and it shows that given a situation where there’s less government propaganda present that humans are the same. Humans, for the most part, are innately good and kind. It’s world ideologies, peers and expectations that alter perceptions,” observed another X user.
“This is just how it should be, full of peace and love,” concluded another netizen.
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China’s Sun Yingsha and Wang Chuqin defeated North Korea’s Ri Jong-sik and Kim Kum-yong in the final, securing gold. The South Koreans won bronze, with Lim Jong-hoon and Shin Yu-bin beating Hong Kong.
South Korea and North Korea both claim to be the sole legitimate government of all of Korea, which has been partitioned since September 1945, with military tensions between the two states and a heavily fortified border. The now iconic photo captures the beauty of humanity and the transcendental nature of sports despite their countries sharing a deep history of war.
