The South Korean Olympic team is required to remove controversial banners
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) today obliged the South Korean Olympic team to remove banners in the Olympic Village that refer to the 16th century war with Japan.
"The village is a protected area," said Thomas Bach, president of the International Olympic Committee.
He added that political slogans are not allowed in the athletes' village.
The South Korean Olympic Committee confirmed the incident.
The banners are seen as provocative in Japan.
At the same time, Japan will not be allowed to display the "sunrise and 16 rays" flag in the Olympic arenas.
Where many Asian countries see this flag as a sign of Japan's military past and is rejected.
South Korea and Japan have been in constant rivalry for centuries and have fought wars several times.
Recently, relations have calmed down considerably.
It is not yet clear whether South Korean Prime Minister Moon Jae-in will travel to Tokyo for the opening ceremony next Friday and meet with Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga.
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