Pyeongchang 2018 President Lee Hee-beom claims he remains confident North Korea will compete at the Winter Olympics ©Getty Images

North Korea's successful launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capable of carrying a nuclear warhead will not affect attempts for the country to play a major role at next year's Winter Olympic Games in Pyeongchang, it has been claimed. 

Pyeongchang 2018 President Lee Hee-beom claims the latest escalation of tensions should not disrupt attempts to ensure a presence from North Korea. 

South Korea's Prime Minister Lee Nak-yeon claimed they will now "try harder" to achieve this aim.

There was international condemnation of North Korea for heightening tensions and violating multiple United Nations resolutions by the test.

The ICBM, named the Hwasong-14, is theoretically capable of reaching United States territory in Alaska.

The US are reportedly considering sending more armed troops to the Korean peninsular in response.

A joint Chinese-Russian statement also described the test launch as "unacceptable".

Sport, though, is still considered a way to build bridges. 

South Korean President Moon Jae-in has already encouraged the participation of North Korea at Pyeongchang 2018, due to take place from February 9 to 25.

There have also been some tentative suggestions towards a unified Korean team or even to holding some events over the border in North Korea. 

South Korea's Prime Minister Lee Nak-yeon claims sport is a way to improve relations between his country and North Korea relations, despite the launch of an ICBM test by their neighours yesterday ©Getty Images
South Korea's Prime Minister Lee Nak-yeon claims sport is a way to improve relations between his country and North Korea relations, despite the launch of an ICBM test by their neighours yesterday ©Getty Images

"Though we are now in a situation where it is somewhat awkward to talk about inter-Korean reconciliation and cooperation, it is crucial for us to maintain the atmosphere of reconciliation through sports activities," Prime Minister Lee was quoted as saying by the Korea Herald today during a meeting on Olympic preparations. 

"The river continues to flow underneath even if its surface might be frozen.

"I make a proposal again for the North's participation, and to achieve it, our Government will strive harder."

Lee Hee-beom insisted that they would ignore politics and focus on sport.

He did, however, admit that they must first ensure North Korean participation before contemplating any sort of unified team.

"North Korea does intend to join the Pyeongchang Olympics," he told South Korea's biggest news agency Yonhap News.

"But they need athletes to qualify for the event, and we told the IOC to work on this problem together.

"North Korea's provocations are not new.

"Sports should go on as sports, and the Olympics should progress as it is."

North Korea's IOC member Chang Ung does not support the idea of a joint Korean team at Pyeongchang 2018 ©Getty Images
North Korea's IOC member Chang Ung does not support the idea of a joint Korean team at Pyeongchang 2018 ©Getty Images

A sense of perspective, however, has reportedly been given by North Korea's International Olympic Committee member Chang Ung.

According to the Korea Herald, he has dismissed the unified team proposal as "funny and naive". 

North Korea's only realistic remaining chance of qualification for Pyeongchang 2018 is the pairs figure skating pair  Ryom Tae-ok and Kim Ju-sik.

The Asian Winter Games bronze medal winners narrowly missed out on securing a place earlier this year but have another chance in September. 

North and South Korea symbolically marched together at the Opening Ceremonies of the Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004 but competed separately.

North Korea boycotted Los Angeles 1984 and Seoul 1988.

They have, though, participated at other more recent events held on South Korean soil, including at the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon.