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(Image: GETTY/REUTERS)

Pictures of Lee Eun-Ju of South Korea and North Korea's Hong Un Jong went viral as they were snapped at the Olympics gymnastics centre.

It was a rare example of unity between the two countries which remain divided and comes amid rising tensions over North Korea's nuclear development programme.

But talented gymnast Hong Un Jong could face punishment on return to North Korea.

(Image: REUTERS)

In recent years tubby tyrant Kim Jong-un has sent people to North Korean death camps where they are starved and forced to work 16 hour days.

This is often for petty incidents such as stealing food or as punishment for behaviour of relatives who disrespect Kim Jong-un.

But even more shockingly he has ordered public executions for crimes as simple as watching South Korean films, watching pornography or owning a Bible.

South Korea is often called a "Yankee colony" and as a nation of "war maniacs" by Pyongyang.

(Image: GETTY)

(Image: DS)

Those who fraternise with the South are seen as traitors and often face execution for treason.

Kim Jong-un even ordered the death of his own uncle and step mother.

Lee Young-Jong, a journalist specialising in North Korean affairs for the Korea Daily, said: "North Korean law allows executions for conspiring to overthrow the government, treason and terrorism.

"North Korea has been known to order public executions for minor crimes such as religious activism, use of cell phones and stealing food to intimidate the public."

Hong Un Jong remains in Rio.

Loopy leader Kim had said before the games kicked off in Brazil that he wanted five gold medals for North Korea at the very least.

(Image: GETTY)

They so far have one silver medal in weightlifting.

North Korea has been under scrutiny in recent weeks as one of its most senior politicians "declared war" on the US.