Kim Kum-yong and Ri Jong-sik, two North Korean table tennis players, are facing charges for their actions during the Paris Olympics, where their victories with North Korean athletes have sparked controversy in their home country.
According to reports from the Telegraph, Kim Kum-yong is facing scrutiny for smiling in a win pictures with North Korean sports, who represent North Korea’s foe state. After the floor service, Ri Jong-sik, Kim’s table-tennis companion, does face disciplinary actions for smiling alongside the China and South Korea medal winners.
The images, which captured a rare moment of etiquette between runners from warring regions, went popular worldwide. They have not been properly received in North Korea, where Kim Jong Un’s government vehemently regulates relations with South Koreans and another foreigners.
Since the group’s returning on August 15, they have been subjected to a month-long” cleansing” intended to remove any control of “non-socialist” society, according to the Daily NK. This method, managed by North Korea’s Ministry of Sport, includes a three-stage intellectual evaluation designed to ensure the athletes coincide with state-approved principles.
During the Olympics, North Korean players were apparently instructed to avoid interacting with North Korean or other unusual players. Although the precise nature of the potential penalties is still undetermined, infractions of these commands could lead to fines.
The effects of perceived rebellion are clear from historical precedent. For example, after the North Korean basketball team’s lackluster performance at the 2010 World Cup, gamers were subjected to a six-hour open criticism program, and their trainer was sent to work in design.
