North Korea expresses its wish to dispatch delegation for Winter Olympics

Pyongyang, January 1: If morning shows the day, then North Korea’s readiness to send its delegation in Winter Olympic may be a good sign for the world next year. South Korea, the organizer for the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics welcomed North Korea's expression of interest in participation in the games, saying the gesture was like "a gift on New Year's Day."

"The Winter Games to be held in South Korea will be a good occasion for the country. We sincerely hope that the Winter Olympics will be a success," Kim said in his New Year's address. "We are ready to take various steps, including the dispatch of the delegation. To this end, the two Koreas can immediately meet,"the North Korean leader added.

Lee Hee-beom, head of the organizing committee for Pyeongchang 2018 has said they are already making preparations for North Korea's participation. He also took it as a positive sign.Though the deadline for confirmation has passed, North Korea can still send athletes to select events if the IOC grants the country some wild card spots.

"North Korea won't be able to send athletes in every sport, but I expect it to have representation in figure skating, short track and cross-country skiing," Lee said.