A North Korean delegation has arrived in South Korea to help prepare for performances by a North Korean art troupe in the South. 

The 23-member advance team, led by Kim Sun-ho, an administrative vice chief of the North’s Samjiyon Orchestra, crossed to the South via the western land border at 11:28 a.m. on Monday. 

Asked by South Korean reporters to say a few words on performing in the South, Kim just said they will work to get the performances fully ready. He also declined to comment on what South Korean songs they will perform, only saying it will be revealed during the performances. 

The orchestra, consisting of around 140 musicians and artists, plans to perform twice in the South at Gangneung Art Center in Gangneung, Gangwon Province at 8 p.m. on Thursday and at the National Theater of Korea in Seoul at 7 p.m. on Sunday. 

Meanwhile, the North said early on Monday that the art troupe will be sent via a passenger ferry on Tuesday despite concerns that it could be a violation of South Korean and international sanctions.