| Merited Athlete | |
|---|---|
| Awarded for | "[Making] distinguished contributions to the nation's athletics, receiving the love and respect of the people for devoting [one's self] to national and social projects"[1] |
| Country | North Korea |
| Merited Athlete | |
| Chosŏn'gŭl | 공훈체육인 |
|---|---|
| Hancha | 功勳體育人 |
| Revised Romanization | Gonghun cheyugin |
| McCune–Reischauer | Konghun ch'eyugin |
Merited Athlete is an honorary title of North Korea given to sports persons.[2] It is awarded to "athletes and workers engaged in the athletic field who make distinguished contributions to the nation's athletics, receiving the love and respect of the people for devoting themselves to national and social projects".[1] A typical achievement is winning a regional competition in Asia.[3] The title was instituted in November 1960.[1]
As of 1984[update], Merited Athletes are paid a 70-won (32-dollar) monthly pension after they retire at age 60, equivalent to an ordinary office worker's pay.[4] Merited Athletes have also been given luxurious apartments.[5] A Merited Athlete may become a sporting coach if they complete a four-year course at the Korean Athletics University.[3]
Sports persons may also be awarded the titles of People's Athlete or Hero of Labour.[2]
- ^ a b c North Korea Handbook 2002, p. 496.
- ^ a b Weiser, Martin (8 January 2016). "Chests Full of Brass: A DPRK Political History in Orders, Medals, Prizes, and Titles". Sino-NK. Retrieved 18 April 2016.
- ^ a b Seol Song Ah (1 February 2018). "North Korea's athlete factories: how they work". Daily NK. Retrieved 2 April 2018.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "ROK Outshines N.K. in 8 Sports". Korea Newsreview. 13 (1–26). Seoul: The Korea Herald: 217. 1984. OCLC 473441715.
- ^ "North Korea's Dash toward Sports Power" (PDF). Vantage Point. 37 (10): 25–26. 2014. ISSN 1228-517X. Retrieved 2 April 2018.
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