Gong Ro-Myung, chairman of Pyeongchang’s 2010 Winter Olympic bid committee, said that North Korea would not pose a safety threat to a possible 2010 Winter Olympics in South Korea and is receptive to fielding a unified team if Pyeongchang hosts the 2010 Games.
He said that even with North Korea testing missiles posing a nuclear threat, a Pyeongchang Winter Olympics would run safely and smoothly. “I can assure the world we would have a very safe Games. Security-wise, we have a proven record. We have had no accidents. Despite what outside people might think, we are able to have a very safe Games”, he said.
Gong said there are talks between North and South Olympic leaders, but not on a regular basis, and communications are open. “Olympic committees are in constant touch. The talks are private though, and not official”.
He said those conversations would intensify if South Korean organizers win the bid. “That’s something we want but we would have to get approval from the other side. By 2010, I think we could easily have a unified team. That would definitely be a step forward, not just marching together but competing together as one team. It all contributes to building peace in the world”.
