(LEAD) S. Korea to use gov't funds to support cheering squads for N. Korean football team visit

(ATTN: RECASTS lead; ADDS more info in paras 5-6) SEOUL, May 12 (Yonhap) -- The unification ministry said Tuesday it will provide 300 million won (US$202,000) in government funds to support South Korean civic groups planning to cheer at an upcoming match featuring a North Korean women's football team. "We have received a number of requests from civic groups regarding support for the match, and the government has decided to provide financial assistance through the Inter-Korean Cooperation Fund, considering the event contributes to mutual understanding between the two Koreas," a ministry official told reporters. Pyongyang-based Naegohyang Women's FC is set to travel to Suwon, some 30 kilometers south of Seoul, on May 20 to face Suwon FC Women in the semifinals of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Women's Champions League. It will mark the first visit by a North Korean sports team to South Korea in more than seven years. Suwon FC Women players celebrate after scoring a goal against Wuhan Jiangda Women's FC during their quarterfinal match at the Asian Football Confederation Women's Champions League at Hankou Culture Sports Centre in Wuhan, China, on March 29, 2026, in this Xinhua photo. (Yonhap) The official said the decision was made the previous day, with the funds earmarked to cover ticket purchases, cheering supplies and banner production. The ministry expects around 2,500 supporters to attend. While cheering chants are largely left to the discretion of the civic groups, the government will provide certain guidelines on terms to be avoided during the match, he added. The caution reflects North Korea's sensitivity over how it is referred to by the South. In line with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's two-state policy, Pyongyang objects to being called "North Korea" and prefers its official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. The Inter-Korean Cooperation Fund Act, designed to promote exchange and cooperation between the two Koreas, has been tapped for previous inter-Korean supporting events, including the 2018 Unification Basketball Game and the 2014 Incheon Asian Games, according to the official. The ministry also said it expects to approve entry for the 39 North Korean players and staff members within the week. The squad is expected to arrive at Incheon International Airport on May 17. jaeyeon.woo@yna.co.kr(END)