Suwon: The unification ministry announced that it will allocate 300 million won (US$202,000) from government funds to support South Korean civic groups planning to cheer at an upcoming football match featuring a North Korean women's football team. According to Yonhap News Agency, the ministry's decision to use the Inter-Korean Cooperation Fund follows numerous requests from civic groups for support. The Naegohyang Women's FC from Pyongyang is scheduled to visit Suwon, approximately 30 kilometers south of Seoul, on May 20 to compete against Suwon FC Women in the AFC Women's Champions League semifinals. This event marks the first visit by a North Korean sports team to South Korea in over seven years. The allocated funds will cover costs for ticket purchases, cheering supplies, and banner production, with an expected attendance of around 2,500 supporters. While cheering chants will largely be determined by the civic groups, the government will provide guidelines on certain terms to avoid during the match, ref lecting North Korea's sensitivity to how it is referred to by the South. The Inter-Korean Cooperation Fund, aimed at promoting exchange and cooperation between the two Koreas, has previously supported events such as the 2018 Unification Basketball Game and the 2014 Incheon Asian Games. The ministry also anticipates approving entry for the 39 North Korean players and staff members this week, with their arrival at Incheon International Airport expected on May 17. Unification Minister Chung Dong-young expressed consideration of attending the match, describing the North Korean team's visit as meaningful. He highlighted the need to address distrust between the Koreas, acknowledging strained relations but suggesting hope for improvement. Naegohyang Women's FC is set to arrive in South Korea via Beijing on Sunday. The South Korea-based Inter-Korean Sports Exchange Association reported that the team arrived in Beijing on Tuesday and will train there before traveling to South Korea. The association plans to organiz e a cheering squad of about 100 people, aiming for both Koreas to enjoy the competition as one.