Don't laugh at Dear Leader, SKorean athletes warned

0 Comments | AFP, August, 2008

BEIJING (AFP) — South Korean Olympic athletes have been given detailed guidelines to avoid friction with their North Korean counterparts in Beijing, officials said Wednesday.

Contestants should not point or laugh at badges or portraits depicting North Korea's "Dear Leader" Kim Jong-Il or his late father Kim Il-Sung, the (South) Korean Olympic Committee (KOC) says in a handbook.

"Refrain from pointing, touching or laughing at badges, portraits and remarks idolising the father and son," the booklet advises.

Athletes should also avoid using names like "South Korea" and "North Korea" or even the countries' official titles, the "Democratic People's Republic of Korea" and "the Republic of Korea."

They should "maintain an attitude that is resolute and...