Unification Minister Jung Dongyoung Decides Not to Attend Inter-Korean Women's Football Match in Person
Jeong Dongyoung, Minister of Unification, has decided not to attend the inter-Korean women's football match scheduled to be held in Suwon on the 20th. Although on-site attendance was considered, given that North Korean sports officials are visiting South Korea for the first time in about eight years since the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics, it appears the decision was made out of concern that attending a privately organized match could unnecessarily spark political controversy.
On the 19th, an official from the Ministry of Unification stated, "Considering various factors such as the international nature of the event, Minister Jeong has decided not to watch the match in person." The upcoming AFC Women's Champions League (AWCL) match, hosted by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), is a competition between private club teams, not national teams. North Korea, which has been emphasizing its stance as a 'hostile state' toward the South, has agreed to have its 'Naegohyang Women's Football Team' participate in the semifinals held in South Korea, but is drawing a clear line to avoid any political interpretation of this as 'inter-Korean sports exchange.' The North Korean players, who arrived on the 17th, left the airport with stern expressions, avoiding eye contact with civic groups welcoming them.
The semifinal between Suwon FC Women and North Korea's Naegohyang Women's Football Team will take place at 7 p.m. on the 20th at Suwon Sports Complex. The winning team will advance to the final on the 23rd to face the winner of the match between Melbourne City (Australia) and Tokyo Verdy (Japan).
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Meanwhile, Choi Hwiyeong, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, is scheduled to attend the match. An official from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism explained, "Considering that this is an international tournament organized by the AFC and that a Korean club has reached the semifinals, the Minister in charge will be present."
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