Korean unity deal reached for Olympics

LAUSANNE, Switzerland — A Korean unity deal for the Pyeongchang Winter Olympic Games will see 22 North Korean athletes cross the border to South Korea, where they will march as one under a unification flag at the opening ceremony and compete together in one sport.

In the most symbolic agreement approved Saturday, 12 North Korean women’s hockey players will join their neighbours in a united roster playing in special uniforms with a Korean song as their anthem.

North Koreans will also compete in figure skating, short track speed skating, Alpine skiing and cross-country skiing after being given exceptional late entries by the International Olympic Committee.

The North Korean delegation will also include 24 coaches and officials, plus 21 media representatives at the Feb. 9-25 Games.

The governments of North and South Korea were offered “sincere thanks” by IOC President Thomas Bach announcing the agreement.

An Olympic deal became possible after North Korean leader Kim Jong-un said in a New Year’s speech that a team could cross the border to compete.

“Such an agreement would have seemed impossible only a few weeks ago,” said Bach.

Bach was flanked by Olympic and government officials from both countries at a brief news conference at the Olympic Museum after a 21⁄2-hour meeting at IOC offices nearby.

North Korea’s delegation, including sports minister Kim Ilguk, did not stay to brief media after signing the agreement.