A video showcasing North Korean wrestler Won Myung Kyung’s victory at the World Championship in September has recently captured public attention. Her unrestrained display of emotion has been interpreted as offering a glimpse into North Korea’s younger generation.
Won clinched gold in the women’s freestyle 50 kg (110 lbs) final at the 2023 World Wrestling Federation (UWW) World Wrestling Championships in Zagreb, Croatia, on September 17, defeating China’s Zhang Yu. With bronze medals from the 2019 Junior Asian Championships and the 2023 Asian Championships, Won has established herself as one of North Korea’s top athletes.
While her exact age is unknown, Won’s youthful appearance has led many to view her as a representative of North Korea’s younger generation in sports.
The viral video of her victory stands in stark contrast to the typically rigid behavior of North Korean athletes at international events.
After securing her win, Won was overcome with emotion. She tearfully embraced all the judges present, expressing her gratitude in a manner reminiscent of how she might celebrate with her own coaching staff. This unusual display of emotion towards officials has been described as refreshing.
Such enthusiastic interactions with judges are uncommon in international competitions. Footage shows the judges responding with surprised smiles and awkward pats on her back.
Historically, North Korean athletes have avoided contact with outsiders, limiting interactions to their own coaches and teammates. For example, after winning silver in synchronized diving at the Paris Olympics, Kim Mi Rae and Jo Jin Mi remained silent when questioned by foreign journalists, offering only brief responses after their interpreter prompted them.
North Korean athletes have typically emphasized loyalty to their regime. At the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games, weightlifter Kang Hyun Gyeong, after setting a world record, attempted to place her gold medal on Kim Il Guk, the North Korean delegation head. Kim, visibly startled, quickly prevented this gesture.
North Korean athletes often appear uncomfortable and indifferent when interacting with South Korean media or athletes. At the Paris Olympics, North Korean boxing medalist Bang Cheol Mi attended a press conference alongside South Korean bronze medalist Lim Ae Ji.
Despite having competed against Lim at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games, Bang reportedly maintained a cold demeanor, saying there was nothing beyond their shared ranking and that he had no other feelings.
Such behavior has contributed to negative perceptions of the North Korean regime. Some analysts suggest that Won’s recent actions may indicate a relaxation of North Korea’s strict regulations on athlete behavior at international events.
Furthermore, Kim Jong Un’s promotion of sports and increased support for international achievements since the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions may be allowing exceptional athletes like Won more freedom to express themselves, reflecting their elevated status within North Korea.