People Are Calling This The 'Most Important Selfie' Of The Olympics
"This is why we do the Olympics."
By Tang Ruxyn — 09 Aug 2016, 07:23 AM
This simple selfie taken by two young gymnasts is quickly becoming one of the most iconic moments in the 2016 Rio Olympics
In a rare sighting, South Korean gymnast Lee Eun Ju and North Korean gymnast Hong Un-Jong were seen posing together for a friendly selfie.
Both women were smiling together, and one of them even flashed a 'peace' sign.
The pair was seen chatting and laughing together as they prepared to compete in the qualification for the artistic women's gymnastics in the 2016 Olympics.
The brief moment shared by Lee and Hong in Rio is particularly heartwarming as their home nations are still in a bitter feud
North and South Korea have been in a frosty relationship ever since they were divided following the end of World War II.
The two Koreas are "technically still at war" and there were instances where tensions still flare up around the world's most heavily-armed border as the nations exchanged fire across their shared border just last year.
As such, Lee and Hong's photo together has been lauded as one that demonstrates the healing power of sports.
American political scientist Ian Bremmer tweeted the photo of Lee and Hong taking a selfie together on Saturday, 6 August
Gymnasts from North & South Korea take a selfie together. This is why we do the Olympics. pic.twitter.com/Id44OuehN3
— ian bremmer (@ianbremmer) August 5, 2016
His tweet went viral instantly. As of today, 8 August, it has received more than 18,000 likes and retweeted for more than 17,500 times.
Netizens from all over the world have been sharing the inspirational photo and calling it a great example of unity
According to Korea Daily, the North Koreans athletes appear to have opened up this time around, during the Rio Games
South Korean shooter Hwang Seongeun (left) is giving North Korean shooter Jo Yong-suk a box of snack.
Image via Korea PoolIt was reported that the heroic weightlifter from team North Korea, Om Yun-chol, took selfies with athletes from other teams.
North Korean Jo Yong-suk and South Korean Hwang Seongeun, both competing for shooting, talked to each other in a comfortable mood. Hwang reportedly gave a small box of snack to Jo as she left.
It is said that North Korean athletes used to be segregated and avoided other competitors, particularly the South Koreans. However, Team North Korea "look more comfortable and relaxed" this time at the Olympic Games.