DPRK hopes for better inter-Korean ties through Asian Games DPRK to send cheering squad to Asian Games

SEOUL - The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) said Friday that it will send a 273-member team, including 150 athletes, to the 2014 Asian Games to be held in South Korea's western port city of Incheon next month.

The DPRK sent the message through its delegation, which came here to join the group drawing for the upcoming Asian Games scheduled for Sept 19 to Oct 4, Unification Ministry spokesman Kim Eui-do told a press briefing.

The number of the DPRK team was lower than 352, including 150 athletes, announced earlier this month. While the number of athletes remain unchanged, fewer coaches and other staffs would come to the Games.

The message failed to mention whether Pyongyang would send its cheering squad for the sports event.

The DPRK said it will discuss issues concerning its participation, including who will pay costs for the stay of DPRK athletes, via the exchange of letters as South Korea and the United States launched their joint military exercise as planned despite the DPRK's strong objection. The Ulchi Freedom Guardian (UFG), launched Monday, will run through Aug 29.

The South Korean military has claimed the drill is annual event of defensive nature, but the DPRK denounced it as a rehearsal for the northward invasion. In mid-July, the two Koreas held talks for the DPRK's participation in the Asian Games, reaching no agreement.