South Korea's culture minister met with the country's taekwondo athletes in Sao Paulo on Thursday, wishing them success at the upcoming Rio de Janeiro Summer Olympics.

Culture, Sports and Tourism Minister Kim Jong-deok, who is in Brazil to represent the South Korean government at the games, watched the athletes train at their gym and shook hands with each of them during the 20-minute visit.

"Taekwondo is our country's national sport and a key medal event," he said. "I wish you success at the Rio Olympics."

Kim also visited a Korean culture center earlier in the day where he met with members of "Viva Coreia," a club comprised of Brazilian fans of Korean pop culture.

The club was launched last year to boost the morale of the two countries' athletes ahead of the Olympics, which kick off Friday.






By Yonhap News