More information about the DPRK's participation in this year's Winter Olympic Games has been released. The Pyeongchang Games have attracted the world's attention both in sports and in politics. South Korea says peace is the theme of this year's Olympics. CGTN's Zhao Yunfei has more.  

The DPRK has brought a hard-earned gift to South Korea, and is sending athletes to attend the Winter Olympics in PyeongChang. The recent decision didn't leave much time for organizers to adjust their plans. But despite the last minute change, the opening ceremony's executive producer says the DPRK's participation ultimately strengthens the Games' message of peace.

SONG SEUNG-WHAN, EXECUTIVE PRODUCER PYEONGCHANG OLYMPICS OPENING CEREMONY From the beginning we decided on 'Peace' as the main theme. The DPRK's participation was decided a little bit behind schedule but I think it provides a good opportunity to deliver a strong message. So nothing has changed due to the DPRK's participation.

South Korea hopes to use the Olympics as an opportunity to improve cross-border ties following a period of increased tensions over the DPRK's rapidly expanding nuclear weapon and missile programmes. Under a deal approved by the International Olympics Committee, the two countries will field their first unified Olympic team, in women's ice hockey.

SONG SEUNG-WHAN, EXECUTIVE PRODUCER PYEONGCHANG OLYMPICS OPENING CEREMONY  "In the end, we would like to show our peaceful aspirations. Today, the Korean Peninsula is divided and we deeply feel the pain brought by national separation, that's why we are eager for peace. We would like to deliver this message to the world during the Winter Olympics."

The IOC has announced that the DPRK will send 22 athletes to the Pyeongchang Games to compete in three sports - skating, skiing, and ice hockey. 

The decision is considered to be an olive branch held out by the DPRK.

The theme song for the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul -- Hand-in-Hand -- advocated world peace and friendship. But Pyongyang boycotted those games.

February's Winter Olympics is seen as a turning point for the two countries. The Pyeongchang Olympic Stadium was specifically built for the elaborate event, and cost 58 million U-S dollars. The large arena won't host any athletic events, but was made to attract world attention for the Games. All Korean athletes will walk under a single flag during the opening ceremony. The delegations marched separately during the 2010, 2012, and 2016 Games. Zhao Yunfei, CGTN.