Kim passed the torch to the first runner Pak Du Ik, who played on the 1966 North Korean World Cup soccer team that made a historic run to the quarterfinals.

• 北朝鲜，一个与中国相邻的共产主义盟友，批评了别处中断火炬传递的行为并支持北京对于西藏“反暴力”抗议者的镇压。