Gaffe at the Games: South Korean delegation introduced as North Korea at Olympics opening ceremony

The Opening Ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics was marked by a major diplomatic gaffe. This one has caused quite a stir in South Korea.

As the South Korean delegation made their entrance on a boat along the Seine River, a French-speaking presenter erroneously referred to them by the official name of North Korea. “Republique populaire democratique de Coree,” the announcement in French went. That could have escaped notice, still. However, the English announcement, which said the “Democratic People’s Republic of Korea”, made sure there was no room to ignore the mistake. South Korea’s official name is the Republic of Korea.

The mistake sparked an outcry in South Korea, a nation known for its advanced technology and vibrant culture, and one that remains technically at war with the nuclear-armed North, following the 1950-1953 conflict that ended in an armistice rather than a peace treaty.

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South Korea’s reaction

In an official statement, South Korea’s sports ministry said, “The ministry expresses regret over the announcement during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics, where the South Korean delegation was introduced as the North Korean team.”

Second vice sports minister Jang Mi-ran, a 2008 Olympic weightlifting champion, has sought a meeting with International Olympic Committee (IOC) chief Thomas Bach to discuss the matter. The sports ministry has also requested the foreign ministry to “deliver a strong protest to the French side” over the issue.

Additionally, South Korea’s National Olympic Committee plans to meet with the Paris Olympics Organising Committee and the IOC to voice their protest and request measures to prevent a recurrence.

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Other snags at the Paris Olympics

The opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics faced multiple issues beyond the gaffe involving South Korea. Thousands of spectators encountered long queues and ticketing problems. According to AFP, many gates opened an hour late, and two gates opened at least two hours late due to staff not receiving the necessary scanners to check tickets.

French weather services had predicted “flooding rains” for Friday, which coincided with the opening ceremony. These predictions proved accurate, as sporadic rainfall intermittently spattered the event, although spectators largely remained in place to witness what many described as a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle in Paris.

Moreover, the French high-speed rail network was hit by acts of sabotage on Friday, as reported by operator SNCF. These “malicious acts” included arson that disrupted train services and stranded thousands of commuters just hours before the Olympics opening ceremony.

Update: The IOC has apologised about the gaffe regarding the introduction of the South Korean delegation.

With inputs from AFP