How did South Korean President Yoon react to the opening ceremony error?

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South Korean President Yoon Expressed Regret and Sought Assurances Following Olympic Opening Ceremony Error

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol conveyed his regret and dismay regarding the incorrect introduction of the South Korean delegation as North Korea during the Paris Olympics opening ceremony. He communicated his concerns directly to International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach, requesting a public apology and assurances that such an incident would not be repeated. Yoon expressed his hope for a successful remainder of the Games as a global festival.
Regret Over Incorrect Delegation Introduction

President Yoon Suk Yeol articulated that South Koreans were surprised and disheartened by the error during the opening ceremony. This sentiment was shared by his office, which noted that as a nation with a history of hosting major international sporting events like the Summer and Winter Olympics and the FIFA World Cup, such a mistake was unexpected. The incident occurred when the South Korean team, while proceeding down the Seine River, was announced with the official name for North Korea, "Democratic People's Republic of Korea," in both French and English, instead of South Korea's official designation, "Republic of Korea."
Request for Public Apology and Recurrence Prevention

Following the gaffe, President Yoon directly requested that IOC President Thomas Bach issue an apology through media and social media channels. Furthermore, Yoon sought explicit assurances from Bach that measures would be taken to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. This request underscores the significance placed on accurate representation and the smooth execution of Olympic protocols for participating nations.
IOC President Bach's Apology and Assurances

In response to President Yoon's concerns, IOC President Thomas Bach offered a "sincere and heartfelt apology," describing the error as an "inexcusable incident." During a 10-minute phone conversation witnessed by several officials, including the head of the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee, Bach acknowledged Yoon's concerns and pledged that the IOC would implement all necessary measures to ensure the mistake is not repeated. The IOC had previously posted an apology on its official Korean X account following the ceremony.

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How did South Korean President Yoon react to the opening ceremony error?

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