A Bold Move
After the ballistic missile false alarm in Hawaii, I’ve had the idea of global nuclear conflict fresh in my mind. We live in a reality where, however unlikely, these are real possibilities and global politics may abruptly affect all of our lives in a single moment.
That’s why it was even more startling to some recent news on the Korean Olympics.
It was recently announced that South and North Korea would be participating jointly in particular events of the Winter Olympic Games next month.
Source: CBC Canada
South and North Korea joint Olympic team news is met with mostly negative reception. South Koreans in general reacted very aggressively to this, calling it a pandering attempt by the new president. Some, including the Japanese government, outright condemns it as a dangerous and naive move that could lead to a more risky situation.
This isn’t the first time that South Korea has used this type of playful diplomacy, but it is the first concerning the Olympic Games and the first under the new boy king. As such, there is much to anticipate in how both side will react to this.
History of Joint Play
Never. This is the first since the decision.
Is this what South Korea envisioned when they bid for the ’18 games? Source: Japan Times
(I believe) this is the first time two countries still technically at war will compete in an international event on the same team. So far, the countries have decided to join the women’s ice hockey teams into one participating entity.
For many successive generations, the two Koreas have in fact marched together at past Olympic events. This was supposed to be the initial resolution of the negotiation talks but I guess the head officials had something else in mind…
Cheering for… the Home Team?
The ‘support’ from the North won’t be just limited to its player base. The country will be sending several hundred cheerleaders, artists, and other performers to participate in ceremonial proceedings and support the South’s program. In a country that has had a painful time trying to reintegrate northern refugees, that’s a lot of North Koreans on South Korean soil all of a sudden.
Having such a large contingency will also mean a very large group of North Koreans exposed to South Korea’s cities and culture for the first time and return back to the North. It will be fascinating to hear accounts and see the reactions of these Olympic ambassadors.
Source: Kimchee Guesthouse
Well, can’t cry over spilt milk. Welcome to Pyeongchang North Korea! Hmm….
I didn't know there were such negative reactions to this in South Korea and Japan. Here in Norway everyone seem to be positive about it. The media has been claiming it a great sign of diplomatic progression after all the tension and bickering between the leadership of North Korea and the USA.
Verrrry interesting @kapteinb! It's been contentious on the American and Korean fronts. We'll see how this rolls out...
you can do it !
Sport can unite the whole country.
Bizarre haha. This feels creepy, it's like playing chess with a serial killer while you desperately try to think of an escape route.
Korea feels pretty 'painted into a corner' on this one...
That false alarm made my heart drop. I have most of my family in Hawaii. I just hope the 'Supreme Leader' doesn't go crazy when other countries win the gold over NoKo, bro. 😒
Amen @nebcat... Hopefully no (more) bad blood is created out of this.
질문에 대한 답은 저도 아니오 입니다 북한은 늘 그랫듯이 스포츠와 외교는 별개다 하고 따로 생각할 가능성이 높습니다 일단 올림픽이니 즐기긴 하겟지만 요번일은 충분한 논의 없이 한점은 기분이 그렇게 좋진 않네요
한식하우스님 아이스하키 남북 단일팀 이야기군요~~
저는 단기적인 이슈일뿐 핵을 막는 효과는 없을 것 같아요~~