By Korea.net Honorary Reporter Theresia Kurniawan from Indonesia
Photo = Theresia Kurniawan

On day three of the 2018 Asian Para Games, the Unified Korea team took their first medal in the men’s para swimming 4x100M Freestyle Relay 34 Points. The Unified Korea para swimming athletes, Kim Sae-hun, Kwon Hyun, Kwon Yong-hwa, and Lee Dong-gu won the bronze medal. I was happy to be able to watch this moment live at the Gelora Bung Karno Aquatic stadium.

Another moment that caught my attention that day was the joint-supporters that consisted of South and North Koreans and also Indonesians. They all cheered together to support the athletes from both Koreas. They were wearing Unified Korea t-shirts and holding the Unified Korea flag in their hands. A banner with the Unified Korea symbol and text written “우린 하나다”, which literally means “We are One,” was displayed in the grandstands.

It was my first time watching a para swimming match and also my first time watching the two Koreas cheering together. As I sat in the same row with the team Korea supporters that day, I could feel the unity between the supporters as well as the officials. Even though I'm not a Korean, I felt so happy to be there to witness that moment.

South Korea won second place in the medal count at the Asian Para Games with 53 golds, 45 silvers, and 46 bronzes while the Unified Korea team ranks 31st on the medals table with one silver and one bronze.

Supporters of the 2018 Asian Para Games from the Korean Cultural Center Indonesia pose for a photo together with both South Korean officials and North Korean athletes.



wisdom117@korea.kr

* This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.