Officials of the south Korean Football Association, who accompanied me, said that this negotiation was conducted in an atmosphere far different from what it had been in previous ones. We discussed pending problems as brothers. Both sides tried to understand each other and talked honestly about our positions. I came to be convinced that there are no difference between the north and the south. However, we need inter-Korean soccer exchanges all the more for the fact that we are in such a situation.
Football has power to greatly appeal to people's national sentiments, compared with other sports.
Now is the time for soccer to play its role. Along with soccer exchanges between north and south Korea, if we organize a unified soccer team and actively participate in various FIFA-sponsored games, I think that it will have a favorable influence on the conditions of the Korean Peninsula. On your impressions during your first visit of Pyongyang. I felt at that time that the north welcomed us. Other football association officials also said that Pyongyangites looked bright and gentle and they give a good impression to me during my visit to Pyongyang.