In a sign of unity, North and South Korean gymnasts snap friendly selfie
Although the complaints leading up to the Rio Olympics have been numerous, it is all worth it for moments like this:
North Korea's Hong Un-jong and South Korea's Lee Eun-ju. I love the Olympics. pic.twitter.com/10vvR23AQj
— Bryan Armen Graham (@BryanAGraham) August 7, 2016
Gymnasts Lee Eun-ju of South Korea and Hong Un-jong of North Korea, were spotted talking together and even snapped a photo, with Eun-ju flashing the peace sign. "Team North Korea at Olympic Games Rio 2016 isn't the usual segregated, anti-social group. Compared to them at past international games, North Korean athletes look more comfortable and relaxed," Korea Daily observed.
North Korean artistic gymnast Ri Se-gwang was also spotted receiving high-fives from Team USA while warming up; North Korean weightlifter Om Yun-chol also took selfies with other teams. And despite their countries technically being at war, South Korea's shooting athlete Hwang Seongeun gave a box of snacks to competitor Jo Yong-suk of North Korea.
"In the past, North Korean athletes avoided conversation not only with the athletes, but also with the reporters from South Korea. However this summer, they greeted South Korean athletes with more hospitality," Korea Daily wrote.