By Jun Ji-hye



The Ministry of Unification said Wednesday that the government has no intention of forming a unified team with North Korea for the Incheon Asian Game scheduled for September.



"Forming a unified team is unfeasible at this time, considering the current relations between the two Koreas, public opinion and preparation for the sports event," said ministry spokeswoman Park Soo-jin at a media briefing.



The reclusive state plans to dispatch 150 athletes and support staff to compete in 14 events, according to the organizing committee of the Asian Games to be held from Sept. 19 to Oct. 4.



The explanation came after a ministry official told reporters the previous day that the government will consult with city officials and the organizing committee about the formation of a unified team, if North Korea officially requested it.



Incheon Mayor-elect Yoo Jeong-bok has also hinted at his willingness to push for such a team in a recent media interview.



"I will review many possible options such as holding the torch lighting ceremony on Mt. Baekdu in the North, forming one team for some selected events and allowing players from the two Koreas to march together in the opening ceremony," Yoo said.



Such a stance drew attention as the government seemed to have taken a step back from its initial position in April that "it was inappropriate for the two Koreas to march or cheer together."



However, the ministry made clear that comments from officials did not mean that the government's position had changed.



"The official just talked about the usual procedure involving consultations with the city and the committee," Park said.



Relations between Seoul and Pyongyang have been strained due to the latter's continuous nuclear and missile threats.



The North conducted a third nuclear test in February 2013, and has threatened to carry out a fourth in defiance of international warnings.



In late May, the reclusive state also fired two artillery shells near a South Korean patrol ship in the West Sea, prompting the vessel to retaliate.



Follow Jun Ji-hye on Twitter @TheKopJihye



