Kim Jong-un extends olive branch to South Korea’s Olympic Games

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North Korean leader Kim Jong-un given an annual New Year’s address from an undisclosed location. As well as threats against the US, he struck a conciliatory tone, wishing success for the Winter Olympics, which are set to begin in South Korea in February. He suggested the North may send a delegation to participate. Screengrab: KRT via AP Video

Published: 5:50am, 2 Jan 2018Updated: 5:50am, 2 Jan 2018

On the same day that North Korea wished success for the upcoming 2018 Winter Games in South Korea, Olympic leaders expressed confidence that the global sporting event can reach “beyond all political division.”

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un spoke about the games during his annual New Year’s Day address, saying his country might meet South Korean officials to discuss sending a Northern delegation to Pyeongchang during the competition next month.

“The Winter Olympic Games that will be held soon in the South will be a good opportunity to display the status of the Korean nation and we sincerely wish that the event will be held with good results,” Kim said.

A woman walks past a military fence covered with ribbons calling for peace and reunification at the Imjingak Peace Park near the Demilitarized Zone dividing the two Koreas in the South Korean border city of Paju. Photo: AFP

In a separate message, International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach said he was confident that the games can be held without incident.

“We know about the political tensions on the Korean Peninsula,” Bach said in a statement. But, he said: “The Olympic Games are about dialogue. They are a symbol of hope and peace.”

The Winter Olympics, which will take place not far from the demilitarised zone separating the North from the South, begin in early February.