Will ice hockey save us from nuclear war?

A Bold Move

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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

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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?

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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….