Prime Minister apologizes for his remark about ice hockey team

Prime Minister Lee Nak-yeon made a public apology on Friday for his earlier remark that suggested that the Korean women’s ice hockey team was unlikely to win an Olympic medal, a comment which came amid discussion about forming a joint team with North Korean athletes at the next month’s Olympics.

“I admit that my remark was misleading. I would like to apologize to those who have been hurt,” Lee said during opening remarks at a meeting held at the Central Government Complex Friday. At a luncheon meeting with reporters on Wednesday, Lee said that there is a low likelihood of the South Korean women’s ice hockey team winning a medal as the rankings of South and North Korean teams stand around 22nd and 25th, adding fuel to the controversy.

Sang-Jun Han alwaysj@donga.com