North Korean team wins bronze medal in synchronized swimming

At Munhak Park Tae-hwan Aquatics Center in Incheon on Monday when the hall announcer named the North Korean synchronized swimming team, the spectators roared with applause. The beautiful swimmers were in pink and blue swimming suits, which reminded of "saekdong hanbok," a rainbow stripped Korean traditional clothings. They entered, raising their head, in an imposing manner. When they took various poses before jumping into the water, a louder shouting could be heard. With music that transcribed Korean traditional folk song "Arirang" and "Ongheya," the eight swimmers performed for four minutes, which were also greeted by applause and roar.

North Korean synchro team emerged as popular star of the Incheon Asian Games. Incheon citizens were charmed by the swimmers` slim figures and their restrained performance. Lee Il Sim, the tallest swimmer measured at 5.6 feet, smiled brightly and waved her hands to respond to people`s enthusiastic reaction. Led by coach Jang Yeon Sil, the North Korean synchro team won a bronze medal Sunday with a total 167.1247 scores, getting 83.3914 in compulsory exercise and 83.7333 in free exercise. It grabbed its third consecutive Asian Games bronze medal following in Doha in 2006 and in Guangzhou in 2010.

KBS commentator Lee Su-ok said, "The choreography that combined Korean music with Korean traditional dance created a fantastic atmosphere. Head waving motion came from Korean traditional mask dance and foot motion resembled as if they were wearing beoseon, or Korean traditional socks. It was a very creative performance," adding, "The restrained performance based on strong physical fitness was also outstanding. North Korea don`t join international competitions due to economic situations, but they are indeed competitive in the global stage."