On Wednesday, South Korea approved 2.86 billion won ($2.64 million) in government funding to support hundreds of North Korean art performers, cheerleaders and taekwondo demonstration team members who took part in the ongoing Winter Games.

The issue raised concerns that Pyongyang was trying to undermine international sanctions that have been imposed on the regime for its nuclear and missile programs.

"We understand that the Republic of Korea has worked through the appropriate processes to secure an exemption from the UN Security Council Sanctions Committee to allow for the North Korean delegation of officials and athletes to participate in these Games," Michael Cavey, a State Department spokesman, said in emailed comments to Yonhap. "This process is similar to that followed by previous Olympic host countries in the past."

(Yonhap)