Merited Athlete

Merited Athlete is an honorary title of North Korea given to sports persons.

[1] A typical achievement is winning a regional competition in Asia.

[1] As of 1984[update], Merited Athletes are paid a 70-won (32-dollar) monthly pension after they retire at age 60, equivalent to an ordinary office worker's pay.

[3] Sports persons may also be awarded the titles of People's Athlete or Hero of Labour.

[2] In 2001, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that 320 or more people have been awarded either the title of Merited Athlete or the related title of People's Athlete since 1986.