To the surprise of many around the world, North Korea and South Korea have been working together over the past three days to discuss matters in regards to possible reconciliation efforts involving the 2018 Winter Olympic Games (beginning Friday, February 9th). Today, North and South Korea have confirmed that after much discussion they have agreed to not only field a Joint Women's Ice Hockey Team together, but to also march together under a single unified Korean flag at the 2018 Winter Olympics next month, taking place in South Korea. While tensions between the two countries have been high for quite a while now, this new development suggests that tensions may be easing slightly, with improved relations between them.
Plans still have to be approved by the IOC
The two nations are expected to present their plan to the International Olympics Committee this weekend, with high hopes for approval. Both nations have offered comments in regards to their sudden talks, via The Guardian, with South Korea adding that the two nations have also discussed joint cultural events, the use of a ski resort in North Korea, and the size of the North Korean team. In addition, North Korea has also apparently shown a willingness to send a large number of its cheer team to the 2018 Winter Olympics. These developments have been made rapidly and to the surprise of many since the beginning of the year when North Korean leader Kim Jong-un offered to send a delegation to the games.
Unification will be extremely symbolic
Reportedly, the plans are for the delegation to walk across the border separating North and South Korea, a border which is typically extremely heavily armed, in an extremely symbolic move for the relations between the two nations. Three officials from each nation participated in the discussions between the North and South, and the decision will be discussed by the IOC on Saturday to evaluate the potential positive outcomes as well as potential consequences of such a shocking turn of events.
Relations between North Korea and South Korea have been strained for nearly an entire decade, according to North Korea's Chief Delegate, Jon Jong-su. According to The Guardian, Jong-su added that through this meeting and the (hopefully) pleasing results that follow, he hopes that ties can resume. North and South Korea have not sent a joint team to the Olympics since 1991, so if this happens, make sure to tune in because you will be witnessing history.
