Published on April 1, 2026
Unification Minister Chung Dong-young on Wednesday expressed condolences over the passing of a former North Korean member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Kim Yong-hyun. Kim, who held the position between 1990 and 2000, played a significant role in promoting sports and dialogue in the Korean Peninsula.
In a statement issued of Unification, Chung emphasized Kim’s contributions to fostering international cooperation through sports and his efforts to bridge the gap between North and South Korea. He noted that Kim’s work not only advanced the interests of North Korean athletes but also highlighted the potential for sports to serve as a unifying force.
“It is with great sorrow that we receive the news of Kim Yong-hyun’s passing,” Chung said. “His dedication to the Olympic movement and his commitment to peace on the Korean Peninsula will not be forgotten.” He added that Kim’s legacy is a reminder of the power of sports to transcend political divides.
Kim’s involvement in the IOC allowed him to influence significant sporting events, including the participation of North Korean athletes in various international competitions. His efforts contributed to a brief thaw in inter-Korean relations during the 1990s, a period marked .
The Unification Minister’s remarks come as South Korea continues to seek engagement with the North, despite ongoing tensions and challenges in diplomatic relations. Chung reiterated the importance of maintaining dialogue and cooperation in all sectors, including sports, as a means of fostering understanding and peace between the two Koreas.
Many athletes and sports officials in South Korea have also expressed their condolences and recognized Kim’s role in promoting unity through athletics. The sports community remembers him as a figure who believed strongly in the ability of sports to overcome barriers and bring people together.
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