North Korea competed as the Democratic People's Republic of Korea at the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, Spain. It was the nation's first appearance in twelve years at the Summer Games due to its boycotting the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, California and the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul. 64 competitors, 36 men and 28 women, took part in 53 events in 12 sports.
South Korea competed as Korea at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia. Athletes from North and South Korea marched together in the opening ceremony under the Korean Unification Flag. 281 competitors, 175 men and 106 women, took part in 144 events in 26 sports.
North Korea competed as the Democratic People's Republic of Korea at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia. Athletes from North and South Korea marched together in the opening ceremony under the Unification Flag of Korea.
Historically, North Korea's participation in international sporting events has been hindered by the relations with South Korea. Until the 1990s, North Korea used to host up to 14 international events every year, albeit in small scale. Since the early 1990s, the amount was reduced to just one, the Paektusan Prize International Figure Skating Festival. More recently, since the 2000s, North Korea both participates in and hosts more international competitions.
Kim Ok is a former North Korean government employee who served as Kim Jong Il's personal secretary from the 1980s until his death. After the death of Ko Yong-hui in August 2004, she regularly met with foreign officials as de facto first lady, and was rumored to be the supreme leader's fourth wife.
Jo Myong-rok was a North Korean military officer who held the military rank Chasu. In 1998, he was appointed first vice-chairman of the National Defence Commission of North Korea, Director of the Korean People's Army General Political Bureau. Previously, he was the commander of the air defence forces.
Won Ok-im is a North Korean judoka.
Kim Kum-ok is a female long-distance runner and politician from North Korea, who specializes in the half marathon and marathon events. She represents the April 25 Sports Team.
Pyongyang International Marathon, previously known as Mangyongdae Prize International Marathon, is an annual marathon race contested each April in Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea.
Jo Bun-hui is a North Korean long-distance runner who specializes in the marathon. Her personal best time is 2:27:22 hours, achieved at the 2006 Pyongyang Marathon.
Pak Song-chol is a North Korean long-distance runner who specializes in the marathon. His personal best time is 2:12:41 hours in 2007, winning the Pyongyang Marathon. He has represented North Korea at the Summer Olympics on two occasions and the 2010 Asian Games. He won a silver medal at the 2009 East Asian Games, running in the half marathon.
Jong Myong-chol is a North Korean long-distance runner who specializes in the marathon. His personal best time is 2:14:58 hours, achieved at the 2005 Pyongyang Marathon.
Jong Song-ok is a female long-distance runner and politician from North Korea, who won the world title in the women's marathon at the 1999 World Championships in Athletics in Seville, Spain. To date, it is the only medal ever won by a North Korean athlete at the World Championships.
Kim Il Sung died of a sudden heart attack on the early morning of 8 July 1994 at age 82. North Korea's government did not report the death for more than 34 hours after it occurred. An official mourning period was declared from 8–17 July, during which the national flag was flown at half mast throughout the country, and all forms of amusement and dancing were prohibited.
The North Korea women's national volleyball team and Amega represents North Korea in international volleyball competitions and friendly matches. They won bronze medal in the 1970 Women's World Championship and at the 1972 Summer Olympics.
Pak Chol is a North Korean long-distance runner. He represents the Sajabong Sports Team.
Kim Hye-gyong is a North Korean long-distance runner.
Kim Hye-song is a North Korean long-distance runner.
Kim Yang-gon was a North Korean politician and a senior official of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea.
People's Athlete is a North Korean honorary title awarded to sportspeople. It was created in 1966. It is usually reserved to those who have won in the Olympic Games or have won a world championship, as it is the most prestigious award for North Korean sportspeople.
