North Korean athletes were reportedly given “special instructions” not to interact with South Koreans or other foreign athletes in Paris, under threat of repercussions.
Since returning from France, the Olympic team is believed to be in the process of a three-stage ideological assessment process by the country’s ministry of sport.
It is said to last about a month, with the intention of purging any lingering influence of “non-socialist” culture.
The assessment reviews every aspect of the athletes’ conduct, and anyone found to have behaved against the regime’s values and instructions could be subjected to disciplinary actions.
The Daily NK reported it was still unclear whether the photographed athletes could face severe penalties or a lighter warning and an order to undergo self-reflection.
“If they interacted with athletes from other countries, they must strongly reflect on their actions to avoid potential political or administrative punishment,” said a source.
The Telegraph could not independently verify the reports.
In the past, international sports competitions have reflected the state of diplomacy between the two nations.
During a period of warming relations in 2018, the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics featured both countries marching together in the opening ceremony and fielding a unified team in the women’s ice hockey competition.
Their relationship has since become frosty after a prolonged spate of North Korean missile tests and hostility towards Seoul.
North Korea’s athletes often come under severe scrutiny by the authoritarian regime, which views excellence and success on the sports field as a marker of international prestige and validation of the Kim dynasty’s governance.
In 2010, it was reported that the national football team were publicly shamed and their manager forced into construction work after they bowed out of the World Cup with no goals.
The athletes were said to have been subjected to a “six-hour barrage of criticism” for performing badly.
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