Earlier this week, the International Olympic Committee (IOC)
released a report that the 2018 Winter Olympics, originally set for Pyeongchang,
South Korea, were being relocated north to the North Korean capital of
Pyeongyang. The IOC’s decision came amid growing concerns on the wisdom of
hosting an event so close to North Korea, especially after the security issues
in Sochi. However, in a press conference regarding the decision, IOC president
Thomas Bach announced, “By giving North Korea a major role in such an
international competition, we hope it will take on more responsibility as an
international player, and open up future conversations with their government.”
Because much construction has already been completed in Pyeongchang, the two
cities agreed to divide up the facilities, leaving the main Olympic village in
the south, and moving the mountainous sliding sports to North Korea’s new Masik
Ski Resort. In secret visits to
Pyeongyang before last week’s announcement, inspectors were reportedly
well-pleased with the quality of the facilities, saying “[The facilities’]
qualifications will easily meet the high standards of the international
community.” Construction of a high speed rail between the two sites is
scheduled to begin later this month, which will reduce commute time across the
border to one hour. But will this temporary alliance really be possible?
 |
| The new Masik Ski Resort in Pyongyang, North Korea. |
According to the Unified Korean
Olympic committee, the answer is a definite “yes.” In the original bid for the 2018 Olympics,
the Pyeongchang commission reported, “[We hope] this event will be a
significant milestone in the reconciliation and reunification process between
North and South Korea” (The Conversation).
Surprisingly, the single purpose of carrying out a huge operation has brought the
two states to friendlier terms than ever before. At joint planning sessions,
the outright hostility present at past talks is nowhere to be seen, and
officials on both sides are cautiously optimistic for the future of Korean
relations. As a side note, state-run media responded to doubts about the
country’s ability to host the thousands of visitors accompanying the Olympics.
Citing “the miracle of its nuclear state,” the secretary-general of the
national ski association promised, “If we can make nuclear weapons and rockets,
we can build an Olympic village.” Judging by the surprising responsiveness of
the North Korean government, this could be one small step toward a safer and
non-nuclear North Korean state. All that remains now is to see the nation
fulfill its promise.
 |
| Construction and development of Olympic facilities is well underway in Pyeongchang. |
No comments:
Post a Comment