Nations from all over the world will have the opportunity to compete for one of the most prestigious awards in their respective sports on the greatest platform during the Olympics.
People often forget that, but happily, one photo is becoming popular on social media, showcasing the spirit of international collaboration and positive fun.
If you had to pick the first two countries that would hug and grin for a picture on the podium, I’d bet a North Korean athlete and a South Korean would be way down the list.
China won the gold medal, followed by North Korea in second place and South Korea in third.
On the platform, North Korea’s Ri Jong Sik and Kim Kum Yong, South Korea’s Shin Yu-bin, and the winning Chinese duo Wang Chuqin and Sun Yingsha all grinned for selfies.
This is a significant occasion since North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong-un, proclaimed the South to be its primary enemy earlier this year and stated that peaceful reunification was no longer possible.
People on Twitter have emphasized the significance of this event.
One user said, “These could be the most significant photos from the Paris 2024 Olympics.”
“North and South Korea join China for a group selfie after the table tennis mixed doubles finals. This is a commendable display of sportsmanship, camaraderie, and peace!
“What a fantastic gesture from North Korean athletes: before receiving the silver medal, they step down from the podium and go round to expressly salute the South Korean athletes who won the bronze medal,” another said regarding their overall approach toward one another.
“This is the Olympics. This is the Olympic spirit. “I hope the young people like it,” a third wrote.
“This explains why the Olympics are so significant. It thrills my heart. “I would love to see this selfie,” another person said.
The Olympics allow North and South Koreans to mingle, even though both countries are still formally at war.
In recent months, tensions have remained high between the two countries.
North Korea has dropped 260 balloons carrying garbage in the South in what appears to be a spiteful move.
Let’s hope that modest moments like these calm the tensions between the two countries.