An image produced by artificial intelligence shows an outline of the 2027 World University Games to be held in the Chungcheong region.
Efforts are gaining momentum to bring a North Korean delegation to the 2027 Chungcheong Universiade, set to be held next August in the Chungcheong region. Despite North Korea’s repeated provocations, attention is growing over whether the plan can materialize, as the Lee Jae Myung government continues to pursue easing tensions on the Korean Peninsula through expanded inter-Korean engagement.
According to the event organizers, the issue of North Korean participation was discussed with International University Sports Federation (FISU) President Leonz Eder, who arrived in Korea last week for meetings with relevant officials and a press conference in Sejong City on Monday.
The press conference was organized by the 2027 Chungcheong Universiade Organizing Committee and FISU to share updates on preparations for the event.
Culture Minister Choi Hwi-young, right, meets with Leonz Eder, president of the International University Sports Federation, at the Seoul branch of the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Jongno District, Seoul, Thursday. Yonhap
Discussions over North Korea’s participation appear to have entered the stage of international outreach, according to latest reports. An organizing committee official said that the federation is exploring various channels to encourage North Korea to join.
The organizing committee is also working in step with the government to help make North Korea’s participation happen. “If a North Korean delegation takes part, it would significantly elevate the international stature of the event,” Vice Chair Lee Chang-seop said, adding that the committee is closely consulting with the government while exploring multiple options.
North Korea is a regular member of the FISU, with its National University Sports Federation (USSA) based in Pyongyang. North Korea has participated in various Summer and Winter Universiades, with 18 gold medals won in sports like weightlifting, table tennis, gymnastics and diving. Most notably, the 2012 Olympic and five-time world champion Om Yun-chol won gold in men's 56 kilogram weightlifting at the 2017 Summer Universiade in Taipei.
North Korean weightlifting champion Om Yun-chol / Yonhap
Particular attention is being paid to the fact that a request for North Korea’s participation was officially raised during a recent meeting between the FISU leadership and Korea’s culture and sports minister, signaling support at the government level.
Source: Korea Times News
