The government confirmed that it would welcome a cheering squad from North Korea during the Asian Games if Pyongyang reverses its position.
 
A Ministry of Unification official told reporters Thursday that the government will welcome the cheering squad if North Korea volunteers to send one, but it doesn't plan to request the cheerleaders.
 
The official said it was hard to say that the cheering squad would have no negative impact on South Korea, but added the positive impact of contributing to cooperation and reconciliation between the South and North would be greater.
 
The official also commented on the North's state media, which named Kim Yeo-jong, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's sister, ahead of a key official of the Worker's Party of Korea. The official said naming a person ahead of another doesn't always signify ranking within the party but may provide guidance, adding the government will monitor the situation.