North Korean athletes who took 'selfies' with South Korean athletes at the Paris Olympics are reportedly undergoing ideological inspections in Pyongyang. It is also reported that a negative evaluation report has been submitted, indicating that they might face punishment.

According to an August 21 report by Daily NK, citing a high-level source in Pyongyang, the North Korean Olympic Committee delegation and athletes who participated in the Olympics have been undergoing a comprehensive ideological review since their return on August 15.

North Korean athletes who participate in international competitions typically undergo a three-stage ideological review process, which includes assessments by the Central Party, the Ministry of Sports, and their own organizations, lasting about a month. It is expected that the North Korean athletes and officials who participated in the 2024 Paris Olympics will undergo the same process. Daily NK reported that these reviews are conducted because North Korea considers overseas stays as exposure to so-called "contaminating" non-socialist cultures.

The current review in Pyongyang is being led by the Central Party, specifically the sports department under the Propaganda and Agitation Department of the Central Committee.

The Central Party review scrutinizes and evaluates the entire process from departure to return. If it is found that the athletes engaged in actions that contradict the Party's directives or educational campaigns during the Olympics, they may face punishment.

Before participating in the Olympics, North Korean athletes were reportedly given specific instructions not to interact with foreign athletes, including South Koreans. If any violation of this directive is confirmed, those involved could face penalties. During the Olympics, a "Victory Selfie" program was implemented, allowing medalists to take selfies on the podium using Samsung's 'Galaxy Z Flip 6 Olympic Edition.'

The North Korean athletes drew attention by taking selfies with South Korean and Chinese athletes. Specifically, Li Jong-sik and Kim Kum-yong, who won silver in mixed doubles table tennis, were reported to have been negatively evaluated in a report submitted to the Party.

These two athletes took selfies on the podium with South Korea’s bronze medalists Lim Jong-hoon and Shin Yu-bin, as well as China’s gold medalists Wang Chuqin and Sun Yingsha. Although this moment was considered a touching one by global international media, it could lead to punishment in North Korea.

According to the source, the report mentioned that the athletes "smiled excessively" even though South Korean athletes, whom the authorities have labeled as the "number one enemy state," were right beside them. Kim Kum-yong was criticized for smiling during the selfie, and Li Jong-sik for gazing and smiling at other athletes after stepping down from the podium. In addition, Kim Mi-rae, who won a bronze medal in the women's 10m platform diving event, also made headlines for taking selfies with athletes from other countries.

However, unlike the mixed doubles table tennis players, Kim Mi-rae took selfies with Chinese athletes, including silver medalist Quan Hongchan and gold medalist Chen Yuxi, and avoided holding the phone herself, letting the Chinese athletes do so instead. It remains to be seen whether she will face punishment, as some analysts suggest that she avoided using the Korean Samsung phone to comply with this directive.

Daily NK reported that it is still uncertain whether the North Korean authorities will punish the athletes who took selfies or resolve the issue with a warning or a relatively mild form of criticism, such as self-reflection.

The source told Daily NK, "Athletes who had contact with foreign athletes, such as taking selfies, must strongly reflect on their mistakes in self-criticism sessions to avoid future political or administrative punishments."

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