“No Security Risks from North Korea on 2018 Winter Olympic Games,” ICT Chief

“Unfortunately, we are living in a world where every big event, be it sport or otherwise, has challenges with regard to security. We have full confidence in the authorities of (South) Korea who are responsible for their security and security risks from North Korea may not affect the 2018 Winter Olympic Games. IOC will ensure that the South Korean authorities follow the examples of the previous Olympic Games.”

“There has been great progress since my last visit. It is a real pleasure to see how the constructions are coming off the ground… and that we see the staffing of the organizing committee with experienced people.”

- Thomas Bach, president of the International Olympic Committee

Thomas Bach, president of the International Olympic Committee (image: Yonhap)

SEOUL, Aug. 20 (Korea Bizwire) — Thomas Bach, president of the International Olympic Committee, on Wednesday brushed off concerns that security risks from North Korea may affect the 2018 Winter Games taking place in the South Korean alpine town of PyeongChang.

The two Koreas remain technically at war since no peace treaty has been signed to end the 1950-53 Korean War.

Meanwhile, Bach said he was satisfied with the preparations he has witnessed during his trip by and large.

He had paid a courtesy call to South Korean President Park Geun-hye who showed “real firm and great commitment… to the success of this Olympic Winter Games,” according to the IOC president. 

(Yonhap)