The Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympics is finally beginning and with everyone looking towards North and South Korea’s new unification for the Games. The 2018 Winter Olympics will take place in the host city of Pyeongchang, just 50 miles from the demilitarized zone (DMZ).
The demilitarized zone (DMZ) is the most heavily protected border in the world. The first time the Olympic Games were held in South Korea; North Korean refused to attend the games because South Korea did not allow half of the game’s events to take place in the Northern capital of Pyongyang.
North Korea was able to get what they want out of the deal with South Korea and the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
What does North Korea want?
The two Koreas are coming to a decision to carry the United Korean flag, and to present a combined women's ice hockey team in the 2018 Olympics. In the negotiations, skiers from North Korea were allowed spots making it to twenty-two athletes in South Korea. This agreement is definitely a win for North Korea, as they at first — only had two athletes qualifying for the event. Also, skating pair Ryom Tae-Ok and Kim Ju-Sik missing the registration deadline would have affected their partake in the Games. The world is looking forward to watching the North Korean skating duo.
Politics part of the Games
The Olympics always being a largely political event with this year being no different. The Games are used by Kim Jung-un, Leader of North Korea, as a method of propaganda. State Media shows Korean Athletes winning and then praising their dear leader.
North Korea still refuses to put an end to their nuclear war program.
About 70 percent of South Koreans are actually opposed to the idea of having a combined team with North Koreans. A petition was also signed by those who opposed calling for their president to stop the plan of a united team. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) said it was "monitoring the situation on the Korean Peninsula and the region very closely."
Hopeful future
However, because of past years heated political and military tension between the two Koreas, this is a progressive sign.
This decision is bringing hope to the possibility of closer relations in the future. The point of the Olympics is to use sports as a way to connect to the world. Do you think the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympics could be the start of reunification for the extremely divided countries?
