North and South Korea’s Olympic Alliance
North and South Korea form a united front at the 2018 Winter Olympics
By HashtagVOA [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
A South Korean figure skater plays a huge role in the opening ceremonies of the Winter Olympics by being the last to hold the Olympic torch, and by lighting the Olympic cauldron.
A few weeks before the start of the Olympics, the two nations met for the first time in over two years., an important step in improving the relationship between the two countries. They discussed topics such as reuniting families from past Korean conflict, and the security of their border. In this meeting they also came to the decision to display a unified front to the world in the Winter Olympics. This step has started to bring more ideas of future collaboration between the two nations to the table. After the games began, the North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un, mentioned a possible summit between the two counties. This would be the first inter-Korean summit since 2007. North and South Korea never formally signed a peace treaty after the Korean War in the 1950’s. They have used the Olympic Games in the past to try and outdo one another, but now they seem to be using it as an opportunity for peace. This new attitude was very evident in the opening ceremonies, which featured many displays of both North and South Korean culture and tradition.
The two countries have been seen under a unified flag a few times after the Korean War in similar circumstances, but this is the first time they have competed with a unified team in the Olympics. Even though some Koreans have been unhappy at this decision because it takes away spots from deserving athletes on both sides, it has shown the world that the two nations are looking to improve relations with each other. South Korea has been very generous in paying for North Korean athletes, judges, and performers to come over for the Olympics. They have also paid for their food and housing, even though some South Koreans are unhappy with this decision. The last time South Korea hosted an Olympics, in Seoul in 1988, the North Koreans refused to compete. So, despite tension, there has been progress between the two nations over the years. The efforts both countries have made show their willingness to work together for an improved relationship and mutual benefits.
North and South Korea have surprised many people with their efforts, and have taken a big step to diminish the divide between the two countries. This Olympics has given the two nations a rare opportunity to work together, and to improve their relationship for the future.
