January 21, 2018

SEOUL -- Seoul welcomed confirmation by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) that 22 North Korean athletes would compete in next month's Winter Olympics, saying on Sunday it would aid peace and the easing of tensions on the Korean peninsula.

In the first of a series of preparatory visits, North Korean music and arts officials arrived in South Korea on Sunday to inspect sites for performances during the Olympics.

"North Korea's participation in the Olympics will be a catalyst for building peace and easing tensions on the Korean peninsula," said South Korea's presidential Blue House in a statement released on Sunday.

The visit to the South marks the first by North Koreans since South Korean President Moon Jae-in took office in May last year and sought to re-engage with the North.

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