Seoul's Unification Ministry has emphasized the importance of North Korea's participation in the upcoming PyeongChang Winter Olympics.
 
At a press briefing on Monday, spokesman Baik Tae-hyun referred to a Radio Free Asia report that claimed the International Olympic Committee(IOC) had offered to pay all costs for North Korea, if its athletes wish to compete in the sporting event next year.
 
Baik said that this statement expresses the IOC's active interest and support in North Korea's participation, which is vital to achieving a peaceful Olympics.

The spokesman said there are no signs yet on whether the North will participate in the Olympics.