A North Korean ferry once suspected of smuggling parts for the regime鈥檚 nuclear missile program was met by protestors on Tuesday as it docked in the South Korean port of Mukho.
The Mangyongbong 92 is carrying a decidedly more benign cargo on this charm offensive voyage -- ice cream, a 140-person orchestra, the leader of a famous all-female pop band hand-picked by leader Kim Jong Un, and karaoke equipment.
South Korean soldiers and riot police used smoke bombs to disperse protestors. Many were shouting at the ferry to return to North Korea, chanting, 鈥淕o home you devils.鈥�
South Korean soldiers smoke bomb protesters angry at North Korean performers arriving by ferry for the Olympics. Go home you devils they shout
鈥� Joy Malbon (@JoyCTV)
South Korea has temporarily lifted its ban on North Korean ships. The Mangyongbong 92 arrived under a South Korean naval escort. The passengers left the vessel surrounded by police.
One woman at the protest told CTV鈥檚 Joy Malbon that she felt North Korea had hijacked the Winter Games in Pyeongchang. She also called Kim Jong Un a terrorist.
Riot police at the ready as protesters yell at a North Korean ferry carrying artists to the Olympics to turn around.
鈥� Joy Malbon (@JoyCTV)
An art troupe led by Hyon Song Wol, North Korea鈥檚 most celebrated pop singer and leader of the famous Moranbong girl band, will perform in Gangneung and Seoul on Feb. 8 and Feb. 11, respectively, before returning home.
The pop diva and North Korean army colonel has also been romantically linked to Kim Jong Un.
Hyon鈥檚 hits include 鈥�,鈥� 鈥淧eace Is Our Bayonet,鈥� and 鈥淟et鈥檚 Defend Socialism.鈥�
With files from The Associated Press
