 |
| ▲ National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac speaks during a press conference at the presidential office Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on Jan. 9, 2026. (Yonhap) |
N Korea-Asian Games
Top security adviser monitoring N. Korea's possible participation in 2026 Asian Games
By Yi Wonju
SEOUL, Jan. 9 (Yonhap) -- National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac said Friday he has been paying attention to the possibility of North Korea taking part in this year's Asian Games in Japan.
Wi made the remarks during a press conference amid reports North Korea could send athletes to the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, set to run from Sept. 19 to Oct. 4 across the Japanese prefecture of Aichi.
"We are monitoring the situation," Wi said, noting that sports exchanges are among the less difficult forms of inter-Korean engagement.
"It is desirable for North Korea to come forward on the international stage and participate, and I believe Japan shares the same view as a host country," he added.
When asked whether the issue could be discussed at next week's summit talks between President Lee Jae Myung and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, Wi replied, "Nothing has been decided."
In November last year, Choson Sinbo, a pro-North Korea newspaper based in Japan, said the North is expected to send a large-scale team to compete in the Asian Games.
(END)
(C) Yonhap News Agency. All Rights Reserved
