President Moon Jae-in poses for a group photo with Team Korea`s ice hockey players, wearing a uniform signed by members of both the men`s and women`s national teams, during his visit to the Jincheon National Training Center on Jan. 17.

By Lee Hana

Photos = Hyoja-dong Studio

"It will make sporting history."

During a visit to the Jincheon National Training Center on Jan. 17, this is how President Moon Jae-in described the implications of an inter-Korean national team competing on the international stage.

With 23 days left to go before the opening of the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Winter Games, President Moon paid a visit to the training center to meet with Korean athletes and to relay his vision for the upcoming Games.

The president said that while the logistics of creating an inter-Korean team haven`t been finalized yet, and while there are some downsides to the pursuit, "an inter-Korean team, made up of North and South Korean athletes, playing a game together in Pyeongchang, will make sporting history."

"Such a spectacle would move not only our citizens but audiences from all parts of the world. Moreover, it would serve as a good starting point for easing tensions between the two Koreas," he said.

During his visit to the Olympic training center, President Moon met with short track speed skaters and members of the men`s and women`s ice hockey teams. After observing a practice session, the president posed for photos with the players and offered words of encouragement to the athletes.

"I`m well aware that you have poured your blood, sweat and tears into winning a ticket to the Olympics. Fame and glory await you in the days ahead. You, here, are the true champions of the PyeongChang Winter Games," he said.

Team Korea gymnasts are delighted as President Moon Jae-in stands beside them to pose for a selfie, at the Jincheon National Training Center on Jan. 17.

President Moon Jae-in poses for a photo with national team athletes during his visit to the Jincheon National Training Center on Jan. 17.

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