The North Korean women’s national football team will travel to South Korea later this month for their first visit in eight years.

Naegohyang Women’s FC is scheduled to face Suwon FC Women on May 20 in the semi-final of the Asian Women’s Champions League, according to South Korea’s Unification Ministry.

A delegation of 27 players and 12 officials has been submitted for the trip, with the team expected to arrive on May 17.

The visit comes as Lee Jae Myung seeks to improve ties with North Korea after years of strained relations.

The last visit by North Korean athletes to the South was in 2018 during the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics, where both countries formed a joint women’s ice hockey team.

Relations have since deteriorated, with North Korea describing the South as hostile and rejecting reunification efforts.

South Korean officials said the government’s role in the upcoming match will be limited since it is part of an international club competition, though logistical support will be provided.

The semi-final match will take place in Suwon, with the winner advancing to face either Melbourne City or Tokyo Verdy in the final on May 23.

If eliminated, the North Korean team is expected to return home the following day.