In the high-stakes world of Olympic boxing, where every hook and jab can mean the difference between victory and defeat, an unexpected friendship was revealed between two athletes from nations often seen as adversaries. Im Ae-ji of South Korea and Pang Chol-mi of North Korea have not only made history by becoming the first women from their respective countries to win Olympic boxing medals in the Paris Games this year, but have also shown signs of camaraderie and mutual respect when they shared the podium for winning bronze medals in the women’s bantamweight category. Meanwhile, a photo with Im and Pang standing stand-by-side – a second selfie taken with athletes from both Koreas during the Olympics this year – flooded the internet, with photos of the two Koreas’ flags displayed next to each other in the medal ceremony also going viral as a demonstration of the Olympic spirit.

THE BIRTH OF AN UNUSUAL FRIENDSHIP

South Korea’s Im and North Korea’s Pang first met during the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, where they competed against each other and Pang ultimately secured a gold medal. Despite the fierce competition, the two boxers spoke after the bout in Hangzhou and Pang even told Im that she “did a good job,” according to an interview in Paris. Im and Pang found common ground in their shared experiences as athletes and reportedly became close friends after competing in the same boxing events for several years leading up to qualifying for the Paris Olympic Games.

One particularly touching moment occurred when Pang cheered Im on after a hard-fought bout. The South Korean athlete told reporters from Yonhap News that, “I met Pang Chul Mi at the weight room in the athletes’ village and she said ‘fighting.’” Nonetheless, their friendship is still seen to be fraught with challenges. During a news conference at the Olympics, Im and Pang pretended not to know each other, with Im appearing cautious with her words when speaking next to Pang.

THE POTENTIAL FALLOUT

A well-intentioned gesture by Im may have inadvertently caused trouble for Pang. While the English word “fighting” is a South Korean slang word meaning “do your best” and is portrayed as a gesture of encouragement, it is seen by the North Korean regime as a cultural infiltration and a potential threat to nationalistic principles. Upon Pang’s return to Pyongyang, she might face the possibility of severe repercussions instead of celebrations to congratulate her on bringing victory to her country. For instance, the authorities may interpret Pang’s use of the South Korean term as a sign of ideological deviation or as an attempt to undermine the regime’s cultural policies. 

North Korea has made many efforts to wipe most English words out of their lexicon while the South has gone in the opposite direction. This is why it is so difficult for North Koreans who arrive in South Korea. They are often confused by the prolific usage of English in South Korea, or Konglish. This is why Crossing Borders holds conversational English classes in two major cities: Incheon and Seoul. 

Observers in South Korea also expressed their worry upon hearing Im’s account, while a defector told Radio Free Asia that, “If it is true that Pang said ‘fighting,’ she could be pointed out as someone who watched a lot of South Korean dramas,” and may face punishment back home. Since the North Korean leader, Kim Jong-un, enacted new laws to limit foreign influence last year, including banning the South Korean language, journalists warned that South Korean slang and vocabulary are strictly banned in North Korea and violators could face severe penalties, including imprisonment or even execution.

The unintended trouble caused by Im’s gesture highlights the difficult positions athletes are in where they find themselves caught in the crossfire of political conflicts. As the world watches, Pang’s short answers and emotionless expressions at the press conference also serve as a reminder of the complexities faced by North Koreans athletes who straddle the line between competition and diplomacy.