From left, South Korea’s Lim Jong-hoon with North Korea’s Ri Jong-sik and Kim Kum-yong, China’s Wang Chuqin and Sun Yingsha, and teammate Shin Yu-bin. – Reuters
PARIS (SCMP): A selfie featuring North Korean, South Korean and Chinese athletes has been branded by internet users as the “most significant photo” from the Paris Games and hailed as a rare show of cross-border unity and “true Olympics spirit”.
The podium moment after the table tennis mixed doubles finals on Wednesday (July 31) saw athletes from the two Koreas briefly share the stage, following an intense match between China and North Korea.
China’s Wang Chuqin and Sun Yingsha beat North Korea’s Ri Jong-sik and Kim Kum-yong 4-2 in the table tennis mixed doubles final to win the gold medal.
Sharing the podium was South Korea’s Lim Jong-hoon and Shin Yu-bin, who defeated Hong Kong’s Wong Chun-ting and Doo Hoi-kem 4-0 to take the bronze.
“This is the true Olympic spirit! A warmhearted group photo of Chinese, North Korea and South Korean athletes and everyone is so surprised and happy!”
The six athletes took a victory selfie together on the podium, initiated by China’s Sun, in what an X user called “a historic moment”.
“These might just be the most significant photos from the Paris Olympics. A praiseworthy moment of sportsmanship, friendship & peace!” wrote another user on X.
The North Korean athletes had clapped for the bronze medals of the South Koreans and walked towards Lim and Shin, sharing a high-five instead of the usual handshake.
World No 1 Sun was also seen gesturing to the two prize presenters at the back to join the historic selfie, earning comments from Chinese netizens on Weibo who praised her outgoing and attentive character.
“[Sun] organised the once-in-a-century historic meeting,” said one Weibo user.
“Turns out the only time North and South Korea share a stage is being directed by a Chinese girl,” wrote another.
The North Korean table tennis team had emerged as a dark horse in the Paris Olympics, bringing home a silver medal for the country – their first medal in eight years.
By staying under the radar and taking part in few international competitions, Ri and Kim had made it difficult for opponents to study and prepare for them.
Little information is available about the duo. As the lowest-ranked of 16 teams in the competition, they first knocked out defending Olympic champions Japan.
A mishap on the side lines of the game also caused Wang, the men’s World No 1, to have his joy cut short.
The elation from his gold medal turned to disbelief, anger and frustration when he discovered that his paddle – crucial for his singles and team events – had been damaged by excited photographers rushing to capture the moment. – South China Morning Post
