[2] North Korea obtained provisional membership of the International Paralympic Committee in March 2012, entitling the country to take part in the Games.

[3][4] "Twelve athletes, coaches, and officials from the North Korean Paralympic team" received training in Beijing prior to the Games.

[5] Ultimately, however, it was announced that the country's delegation would consist in a single athlete, Rim Ju-Song, who would compete in the men's freestyle swimming (S6 disability category) and breaststroke (SB5).

The British Embassy in Pyongyang provided assistance, including financial support, to enable him to obtain training and participate in the Games.

In the early 21st century, it was reported that persons with disabilities in North Korea (with the exception of veterans) were locked away in camps, and "subjected to harsh and sub-human conditions".