Samsung Phones for North Korean Olympians May Breach UN Sanctions, Says Seoul

The South Korean government has raised concerns that a Samsung smartphone giveaway at the Paris Olympics may violate United Nations sanctions on North Korea. Samsung Electronics, an Olympic sponsor, has provided its $1,200 Galaxy Z Flip 6 smartphones to all athletes participating in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, including 14 athletes from North Korea. South Korea's Ministry of Unification warned that this distribution could contravene U.N. Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 2397, which prohibits the supply, sale, or transfer of electronic goods to North Korea due to their potential dual-use in commercial and military applications.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of South Korea has indicated it will continue diplomatic efforts to ensure compliance with UNSC resolutions. The final decision on this matter rests with the International Olympic Committee (IOC). During the PyeongChang Olympics in 2018, North Korea refused to accept Samsung smartphones, which were offered under the condition that the athletes would return the devices before going back to North Korea. Experts have suggested that South Korea should avoid escalating tensions with the IOC, emphasizing the Olympics' role in promoting peace.