The Rio 2016 Selfie That Brought Two Countries At War Together

Featured image credit: Twitter / BOKUNOPICOU

We're not even a week into the Rio 2016 Olympics, but we have already been provided with an iconic picture that shows how, despite what political divisions there might be across the world, we're all just humans really.

The moment came when North and South Korea gymnasts at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games showed a moment of unity through a selfie.

Lee Eun-ju of South Korea and Hong Un-jong of North Korea took a quick smiling snapshot during the training period before the start of the Games, the BBC reported.

The pair were seen chatting and laughing with each other as they prepared to compete in the qualification for the artistic women's gymnastics. Then moments later they posed for the pic together.

Both North Korea and South Korea are known for their prowess in the sport and have produced a number of world-class gymnasts.

But the relationship between the two countries has been tense following Korea's division at end of World War II. Technically the two Koreas remain at war with one another, although an armistice is in place.

It remains the world's most fortified border, but the Olympics has brought people from the two countries just that little closer together. It just goes to show the power of sport.

Words by James Dawson

Featured Image Credit:

Topics: olympics, South Korea, North Korea

James Dawson

James Dawson is a Journalist at LADbible. He has contributed articles to LADbible’s ‘Knowing Me, Knowing EU’ series on the EU referendum, the 'Electoral Dysfunction' series on the 2017 general election, the ‘U OK M8?’ series tackling mental health amongst young men, and for its ‘Climate Change’ initiative in partnership with National Geographic.

@thejaytoday