INCHEON, South Korea - North Korea striker Jong Tae Se hopes his signing with a South Korean club will improve ties between the rival Koreas.
The 27-year-old arrived Tuesday in South Korea to sign with the Suwon Samsung Bluewings. The team acquired Jong from German club Cologne for €300,000 ($393,000). He's the best known North Korean to play in the South.
Jong says he wants to act as an on-field ambassador for both countries. Relations between the neighbours deteriorated following attacks in 2010 that killed 50 South Koreans. South Korea's new president-elect wants to reopen dialogue.
Jong was born and raised in Japan but holds a North Korean passport. South Korean league officials say Jong is the fourth such player to join the K-League.
Jong played for North Korea at the 2010 World Cup.
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