Kim was speaking this afternoon ahead of tomorrow's Closing Ceremony of the Winter Olympics here in Sochi, an event he sees as the moment Pyeongchang 2018 "essentially begins".

He described the many ways by which the Games will reach "new horizons" and the incorporation of North Korea, who have no athletes in Sochi, would be a strong example of this. 

"There are some winter sports facilities in North Korea and the interest in winter sports is growing there," he said. 

"I hope this will grow further and North Korean athletes will be able to come to the Games.

"If that is realised, it will be a very good thing."

This comes after the Organising Committee rejected proposals voiced last year by several North Korean figures for some skiing events to be held across the border - on the grounds that it would be neither logistically feasible nor in compliance with the Olympic Charter.

But, following yesterday's reunion ceremonies at the North Kumgang Mountain resort which briefly reunited families separated ever since the Korean War, his words showed an enthusiasm to include North Korea in the Games as much as practically possible.

North and South Korean relatives were reunited yesterday in a brief Ceremony...and Pyeongchang 2018 could continue this show of harmony
©Getty Images




When speaking today, President Kim also explained how Peongchang 2018 will "allow the world to see a truly developed South Korea" and that it will combine sport with cultural and historical elements.

"Thirty years ago, the world saw a developing country," he said, adding that "just one generation later, the world will see a truly developed Korea through these Games."

When asked about security following the fears ahead of Sochi 2014, he said that although South Korea "is one of the world's safest countries, considering the special nature of the Olympics, a security committee headed by the Prime Minister is already in operation."

But Pyeongchang 2018 would not divulge many details about the composition of the handover section of the Closing Ceremony tomorrow.

Speaking alongside Kim, all that the Ceremony's executive director Yoon Ho-jin would say is that the Pyeongchang segment will "showcase South Korea's unique artistry and culture in a global format" in a show featuring "world renowned cast members."

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