Bach IOC President Calls Yoon: "An Inexcusable Matter... Deep Apology" [Paris Olympics]

Yoon Expresses Regret Over Public's "Confusion"

On the afternoon of the 26th (local time), when the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics was held outdoors for the first time in history, a boat carrying the Korean delegation passed along the Seine River in Paris, France.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

President Yoon Suk-yeol had a phone call with Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), for about 10 minutes starting at 8:05 PM on the 27th, the Blue House announced.

President Bach personally apologized to President Yoon during the call for the incident that occurred on the 26th (local time) at the 2024 Paris Olympic opening ceremony, where the name of our country's delegation was announced as "North Korea" in both English and French, White House spokesperson Jung Hye-jeon conveyed in a written briefing.

President Bach told President Yoon, "An inexcusable mistake occurred, and I offer my sincere and profound apologies."

President Yoon expressed regret to President Bach, saying, "The Republic of Korea, as a country that has hosted the Summer and Winter Olympics as well as the World Cup, was greatly surprised and embarrassed by this incident."

President Yoon then requested President Bach, "Please apologize for this incident through various media and social networking services (SNS), and ensure measures are taken to prevent recurrence."

In response, President Bach said, "I fully understand your concerns and will take all possible measures," adding, "We will strive to ensure that such an incident does not happen again."

President Yoon remarked, "I sincerely hope that the remaining Olympic schedule proceeds successfully and becomes a true festival for the people of the world."