Seoul: The unification ministry announced it will allocate 300 million won (approximately US$202,000) from government funds to support South Korean civic groups in cheering for an upcoming football match featuring a North Korean women's team.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the decision to provide financial assistance was made in response to requests from civic groups and is aimed at fostering mutual understanding between the two Koreas. The funds will be drawn from the Inter-Korean Cooperation Fund and will cover costs such as ticket purchases, cheering supplies, and banner production. Around 2,500 supporters are expected to attend the match.
The Naegohyang Women's FC from Pyongyang is scheduled to visit Suwon, located 30 kilometers south of Seoul, on May 20 to compete against Suwon FC Women in the semifinals of the AFC Women's Champions League. This will be the first visit by a North Korean sports team to South Korea in over seven years.
Guidelines will be provided to the civic groups regarding cheering chants, particularly concerning terms to be avoided during the match due to North Korea's sensitivity over its official designation. The Inter-Korean Cooperation Fund Act, which promotes exchange and cooperation between the Koreas, has previously supported similar events, including the 2018 Unification Basketball Game and the 2014 Incheon Asian Games.
The ministry also plans to approve entry for the 39 North Korean players and staff members, who are expected to arrive at Incheon International Airport on May 17. Unification Minister Chung Dong-young is considering attending the match, acknowledging the importance of the visit amidst strained inter-Korean relations.
The Naegohyang Women's FC team is set to arrive in South Korea via Beijing after training in the Chinese capital for four days. The South Korea-based Inter-Korean Sports Exchange Association will organize a cheering squad of about 100 individuals for the event, emphasizing unity through the competition.