The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) won an automatic berth in the 2010 World Cup finals on June 18 by finishing second in its regional group after the final qualifier, Yonhap news agency reported.

The DPRK became the fourth automatic qualifier in Asia following Australia, Japan and the Republic of Korea (RoK).

The RoK tied 1-1 with Iran earlier on June 17, topping the group. It is the first time that the Koreas, which have remained technically at war since their 1950-53 conflict, will play together in the same World Cup tournament.

The RoK first competed in the 1954 Switzerland World Cup and in six straight tournaments from the 1986 Mexico World Cup to the 2006 event in Germany, while the DPRK participated in only the 1966 England World Cup where they finished in the quarterfinals, according to Yonhap.

The DPRK team wrapped up the World Cup Asian qualifying round with 12 points -- three wins, two losses and three draws -- edging its Middle East rival Saudi Arabia on goal difference.

Meanwhile, the RoK team topped the group with 16 points, grabbing a seventh consecutive ticket to the global showcase event./.