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N. Korean delegation in S. Korea to inspect concert venues

All News 09:25 January 21, 2018

SEOUL, Jan. 21 (Yonhap) -- A North Korean delegation arrived in South Korea on Sunday to check the venues for its proposed art performances at next month's PyeongChang Winter Olympics, officials here said.

The seven-member team is led by Hyon Song-wol, head of the North's Samjiyon Orchestra, and one of the most influential women in the secretive communist nation.

Hyun also serves as director of the Moranbong Band, the country's well-known all-female musical group, reportedly created at the order of leader Kim Jong-un. There's a rumor that she is an ex-girlfriend of Kim.

The delegation crossed the land border via the Gyeongui Line for a two-day trip, becoming the first North Koreans to travel to the South since the launch of the Moon Jae-in administration in May last year.

Several South Korean officials greeted the North Koreans at the customs, immigration and quarantine (CIQ) office at Dorasan Station.

Hyon Song-wol, leader of North Korea's well-known art performance group, in a file photo (Yonhap)

Hyon Song-wol, leader of North Korea's well-known art performance group, in a file photo (Yonhap)

It is expected to head to Gangneung, 260 kilometers east of Seoul, from the capital on a KTX bullet train later Sunday and return here the following day.

The North has agreed to join the Olympics slated for Feb. 9-25 and the 10-day Paralympics that start on March 9, which will be staged in the South's eastern towns of PyeongChang and Gangneung.

It plans to send a 140-member art performance group, consisting of an orchestra, singers and dancers, for concerts in Seoul and Gangneung.

lcd@yna.co.kr
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