SEOUL, South Korea — Asian Games organizers have taken down the flags of competing nations in South Korea following protests about the inclusion of North Korean flags.
Organizers said Thursday the removal would prevent uncomfortable situations like activists damaging North Korean flags.
National flags of the 45 countries participating in the games had flown in streets of Incheon and nine nearby cities since last Friday. Organizers say there had been some complaints made about the flying of North Korean flags due to ongoing historical tension between the divided nations.
Organizers say they will now only fly national flags at stadiums and other sports venues.
The first batch of North Korean athletes, coaches and staff is scheduled to arrive later Thursday, with the games to begin next Friday.