Hopes for better relations between South – North Korea ahead of the Olympic Games

South Korean Sports Minister Do Jong-hwan said the upcoming Winter Olympics in the country will usher in an era of peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula. In his New Year's address to Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism employees, Do also welcomed North Korea's show of interest in participating in the Feb. 9-25 PyeongChang Winter Games.

On New Year's Day, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un said he would consider sending a delegation to the first Winter Olympics held in South Korea and was open to talks with Seoul over the matter. Then on Tuesday, South Korea proposed high-level talks with the North next Tuesday.