Minister of Unification Jeong Dong-young has decided not to attend the inter-Korean women's football match scheduled for May 20 in Suwon.
A Ministry of Unification official stated on May 19 that Minister Jeong will not be present at the semifinal match between Suwon FC Women and the Nae Gohyang Football Club.
The official explained that the decision was made after considering various factors, including the nature of the event as an international tournament organized by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).
Given the current tense inter-Korean relations characterized by a 'hostile stance' from North Korea, it is believed that Minister Jeong's attendance could lead to unnecessary political interpretations. The fact that this is a club-level match rather than a national competition likely also influenced the decision.
The Nae Gohyang Women's Football Club will compete against Suwon FC Women in the AFC Women's Champions League (AWCL) semifinals at the Suwon Sports Complex on May 20.
This will mark the first time in eight years that a North Korean sports team has visited South Korea for a competition since the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) World Tour Grand Finals held in Incheon in December 2018. Additionally, it will be the first visit by the North Korean women's football team to South Korea since the 2014 Incheon Asian Games.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.