The 2015 International Youth U-15 (under 15) soccer tournament will take place at Rungnado Stadium in Pyeongyang, from August 21 to August 24. (Image : Yonhap)
SUWON, CHUNCHEON, Aug. 21 (Korea Bizwire) – With tension growing after the renewal of hostilities between the two Koreas, parents of youth soccer players who went to North Korea are viewing the most recent developments with increasing worry.
The 2015 International Youth U-15 (under 15) soccer tournament will take place at Rungnado Stadium in Pyeongyang, from August 21 to August 24. Two South Korean teams, from Gyeonggi and Gangwon provinces near Seoul, are set to participate. The players and coaches arrived in Pyeongyang on August 16, and are training for the games.
After the most recent military exchange, officials from Gyeonggi and Gangwon provinces called every parent of the players, and comforted them. To their surprise, the parents were generally calm and collected. They assured parents that they have received a message from the Ministry of Unification that the competition will continue as planned, and that all players are in good health. It has been noted that even in times when tension was created between the two Koreas, North Korea has tended to continue to host official events safely.
Yoon, the father of a player from Suwon, expressed his gratitude towards the considerate action. “We were very worried after watching the news, but were relieved after listening to their explanation.”
The teachers and staff at the schools the players attend are also stepping up to comfort the parents of the players. They are keeping touch with the local government to get information on the safety of the students.
The 2015 International Youth U-15 (under 15) soccer tournament will take place at Rungnado Stadium in Pyeongyang, from August 21 to August 24. (Image : Yonhap)
Local government officials are also setting a plan B, just in case of the worst case scenario. “We are a little concerned that the North attacked, but since the youth soccer games are a nongovernmental event, we assume it will have little to do with politics. However, we are in cooperative terms with the government just in case something happens.”
Parents are showing faith that there will be no harm to the students. “Since this is purely a private exchange, we assume North Korea will take care of the children. We all hope they finish their games well and return home safely.”
The youth soccer teams will finish their games on August 24 and return on August 25.
By Francine Jung (francine.jung@kobizmedia.co.kr)
