South Korea was mistakenly introduced as North Korea at the Olympics

Olympic organizers have „profoundly apologized” after South Korean athletes were mistakenly introduced as North Koreans at the opening ceremony in Paris.

As the cheering, flag-waving crew floated down the Seine, French and English announcers introduced the „Democratic People’s Republic of Korea” – North Korea’s official name.

The same name was used – correctly – when the delegation of North Korea passed by.

The two Koreas have been divided since the end of World War II, and tensions between the states have increased recently.

However, the caption that ran at the bottom of the telecast showed the correct title.

South Korea’s sports ministry plans to file a „strong complaint with France at the governmental level” over the embarrassing gaffe.

In a statement, the ministry „regretted the announcement… that the South Korean delegation was introduced as the North Korean team.”

Second Deputy Sports Minister Jang Mi-ran, the 2008 Olympic weightlifting champion, requested a meeting with Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach, the statement added.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) apologized to its official Korean Language X AccountIt said: „We would like to deeply apologize for the mistake in introducing the South Korean delegation during the opening ceremony.”

South Korea, formally known as the Republic of Korea, has 143 athletes competing in 21 sports on this year’s Olympic team.

North Korea has sent 16 athletes. It will be the first time since Rio 2016 that it will participate in the Games.