In case one needs a reminder that the “Democratic” in Democratic People’s Republic of Korea is just there as a decoration, here’s an excerpt from today’s World Cup press conference with North Korean coach Kim Jong Hun. From the Associated Press:
But the second question, from a South Korean journalist asking about his team’s tactics, raised his ire when the reporter, speaking in Korean, referred to his country as “North Korea” – rather than the nation’s official name: the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.
“There’s such no country called ‘North Korea,’” he said testily. “Next question.”
The North Korean coach was also asked if North Korean leader Kim Jong Il had any say in choosing the team, and The FIFA media official cut the reporter off, reminding journalists not to ask political questions.
The official also diverted a question about whether North Korea’s games would be aired live in the North.
The coach’s response isn’t surprising; him being the smarmy little puppet for a repressive tin-pot dictator and all. What’s really the crime here is FIFA’s complicity. Asking if North Korea’s leader helped pick the team is a perfectly legitimate question, and if the coach doesn’t like it, don’t let the door hit you in the ass while you’re leaving South Africa. Very badly played, FIFA. Did you attend the Drew Rosenhaus Journalism School?
NORTH Korea will be heading home on June 25 anyway; it’s in a group with Brazil, Portugal and Ivory Coast. Thanks for playing, schmucks.
Oh, sorry … that’s Cote d’Ivoire. Next question!
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NKorea Coach Bristles at Reporters’ Questions [ABC News]
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- eddie - Jun 14, 2010 at 9:25 PM
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you mad?
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- kiddinlikejason - Jun 14, 2010 at 9:32 PM
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I don’t see what the big deal is…so the reporter is obviously upset because of what he read from the AP but he acts like he was the one who got cut off when asking questions
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- Rebs253Rebs - Jun 14, 2010 at 9:37 PM
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** Comment removed by Democratic Republic of Out of Bounds censors. FIFA reminds you to keep all comments away from politics! All journalists must wear olive green tunics. Next question! **
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- SoloMONsays - Jun 14, 2010 at 9:41 PM
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aye lets keep the world cup spirit alive! Whoever put this up doesn’t know bout world cup history at all, North KOR pulled off one of the biggest upsets in 66′ by defeating Italy
I’m rootin for Germany but I like Argentina and South Koreas play so far
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- magicfeet - Jun 14, 2010 at 9:44 PM
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haha he’s super furious
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- DCDoug - Jun 14, 2010 at 10:10 PM
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Isn’t that the point? Dumba$$
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- Andrew Kwon - Jun 15, 2010 at 3:35 AM
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** Silly commenter. Did you really think your critical comment would make it past government censors? People’s Democratic Republic controls all news. All hail glorious leader. **
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- Gamblor - Jun 15, 2010 at 4:17 AM
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** In honor of Democratic Republic of Korea, comment removed. Glorious leader must approve all comments. Long live Kim Jong Il. **
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- Gamblor - Jun 15, 2010 at 4:26 AM
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** Comment removed by glorious Democratic Republic of Out of Bounds. All comments must be approved by our leader. Next question! **
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- Gamblor - Jun 15, 2010 at 7:32 AM
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** Comment tried and found guilty of espionage by People’s Democratic Republic of Korea. Dangerous free-speech mongers not welcome here. Next question! **
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- Kim Jong Il - Jun 15, 2010 at 8:58 AM
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Do you people have any idea how f**king BUSY I AM!
