SEOUL, South Korea — North Korea agreed on Tuesday to send athletes to February’s Winter Olympics in South Korea, a symbolic breakthrough after months of escalating tensions over the North’s rapidly advancing nuclear and missile programs.
In talks held at the border village of Panmunjom, North Korean negotiators quickly accepted South Korea’s request for participation at the Games, according to South Korean news reports. In addition to the athletes, the North will send a cheering squad and a performance-art troupe.
The event will be the first time North Korea has participated in the Winter Games in eight years.