South Korean Officials Ban Stylish Samsung Smartphones for North Korean Athletes at Paris Olympics
South Korean officials have raised concerns about providing stylish Samsung smartphones to North Korean athletes at the Paris Olympics, citing potential violations of U.N. Security Council sanctions targeting North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs. The South Korean tech giant, a major Olympic partner, planned to distribute its latest Galaxy Z Flip 6 smartphones to all athletes competing in Paris.
Sanctions and Prohibited Items
The South Korean Foreign Ministry highlighted that smartphones are among the items prohibited by Security Council Resolution 2397, adopted in 2017, which prohibits the supply, sale, or transfer of “all industrial machinery” to North Korea. The resolution does not make a distinction between the North Korean government and its people, making it clear that smartphones will be banned regardless of how they enter the country. Ministry spokesman Ri Jae-woong emphasized the importance of preventing prohibited items from reaching North Korea and stated that the Seoul government is taking necessary diplomatic measures to uphold the sanctions.
Past Incidents and International Olympic Participation
During the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea, North Korean athletes reportedly declined Samsung equipment from the organizing committee, requesting that the items be returned before their departure. North Korea sent 16 athletes to the Paris Olympics to compete in various events such as wrestling, swimming, table tennis, and boxing. However, the country did not participate in the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo due to a self-imposed lockdown during the pandemic. As a result, the International Olympic Committee banned North Korea from the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics as a consequence for not sending a team to Tokyo.
Overall, the South Korean government’s stance on prohibiting stylish Samsung smartphones for North Korean athletes demonstrates its commitment to upholding international sanctions and ensuring compliance with U.N. regulations. As tensions surrounding North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs continue, maintaining strict control over the flow of prohibited items remains a priority for both South Korea and the international community.
