North Korea has long been an international outlier, often banned from participating in global events due to its political and military structure, but has recently been more open to bringing its athletes to the world stage. In 2018, the country participated in the Olympic Games in PyeongChang, South Korea, the first time it had done so in eight years, and the fourth overall, after it had first done so in 1964 in Tokyo.
Celebrities and experts have spoken out in support of North Korea’s participation in world athletic events, believing in the importance of sport over politics, and that the championships provide a platform for competing countries to come together and share their skills and aspiration. Actor Dwayne Johnson, amongst others, spoke in favor of North Korea competing in the 2018 Winter Olympics. In an open letter to North Korea’s leader Kim Jong-un, he wrote, “Let’s put the swords down, the war cries away, and use the power and skill of sport to unify the world”.
The North Korean government has always been very invested in the sporting success of its people, especially since 1992, when it gained access to the Olympics and put in greater effort to bolster its teams. While North Korea must comply with the same standards of qualification and deselection as any other country, it has used a tax exemption on Olympic participants and provided attractive incentives to those who have done well in their sport, such as the awarding of medals and state titles.
In more recent times, North Korea has started to maintain positive diplomatic relationships with other countries to help normalize its place in the global community once more. It also began to show its support for South Korea’s hosting of the PyeongChang Olympic Games in 2018 by sending athletes to compete. Led by Kim Yo-jong, younger sister of leader Kim Jong-un, North Korean delegations have traveled to Japan and the Philippines, to increase mutual understanding.
Despite this, North Korea still holds the potential to cause conflict, as seen in the buildup to the 2018 Winter Games. Leader Kim Jong-un made what appeared to be a hostile gesture by testing a rocket before the opening ceremony, thus creating an atmosphere of concern before the games began. Since then, the situation has calmed, with the two Koreas marching together at the opening ceremony and North Korea proposing a joint team for the Olympics — proposals which were supported by South Korea’s President Moon Jae-in.
North Korea has had a troubled history with the Olympics, but one that many would argue has become more positive in recent years, now that the country is reduced its nuclear arms program, embraced the peace initiative and become more open to international relationships and communication.
Will North Korea Return to the Olympics?
Given the country’s current situation, it appears that there is a good chance of North Korea competing in the next Olympic Games. The country has shown its willingness to engage in more open relations with other countries and this has increased the chances of it making an appearance at future events. North and South Korea have worked together on the “peace games” – an attempt to promote peace and unity – and this is a sign that the two countries are working together to build bridges, not walls.
There is hope that North Korea will be able to take part in the Olympics without the feeling of apprehension that came in the years leading up to the PyeongChang Games in 2018. Its athletes competing will be a sign of progress and could help to build more understanding between countries. North Korea has expressed a desire to participate in the games and the interest has been returned.
Are North Korea’s Politicians Affected?
Politically, North Korea has seen an increase in diplomatic ties since it first became involved in the Olympic Games. Its leader, Kim Jong-un, sought to use the Games as a platform to showcase the country to the world and to foster better relationships, which he achieved in some respects. North Korea has been able to maintain a presence in some international meetings and events, although it is still not widely accepted or trusted by other nations.
North Korea’s reputation on the world stage has also been affected by its nuclear programs, something which the country has tried to distance itself from in recent years. However, it is still something which has prevented North Korea from competing in the Olympics, with some members of the International Olympic Committee pushing for the country’s exclusion from the Games due to a perceived breach in the Olympic Charter. This is something which North Korea is keen to reverse, hence its continued participation in international meeting and its support for the joint Korean Olympic team.
Internally, North Korea’s involvement in the Olympic Games has inspired its citizens to take part in their own nation’s sporting activities, with many citizens now taking part in sports clubs, training camps and leagues. The hope is that this will provide more opportunities for North Korean citizens to take part in global events in the future if the country continues to play its cards right.
The Impact of North Korea at the Olympics
North Korea’s involvement in the Olympic Games has had a positive impact on the perception of the country abroad, as well as internally. It has taken a number of steps to open itself up to the world and become more inclusive, something which has allowed it to be included in the Games in recent years. This has also had a positive impact on the relationship between North and South Korea, as they have been able to share the same sporting platform, creating a sense of unity which has been missing for many years.
The impact of North Korea in the Olympics has been felt beyond its borders, with other countries more open to engaging with the nation. This has led to more understanding and dialogue between the world’s countries and increased cooperation, something which is necessary in order to ensure peace and stability in a turbulent world.
In terms of sporting achievement, North Korea has not made a huge impact yet. The country claimed just two medals in the 2018 Winter Olympics, a silver in figure skating and a bronze in short-track speed skating, but it has plans for the future. North Korea is incorporating its athletes into its nation’s political structure, and has launched a number of projects aimed at encouraging success in the sporting arena.
Do North Koreans Benefit From the Olympics?
One of the main benefits of North Korea’s involvement in the Olympics is that it gives its citizens a rare opportunity to see the wider world. North Koreans often live in relative seclusion, without access to the same technology, education or resources as citizens of other states. For them, the chance to rub shoulders with athletes from around the world is a valuable one and could be the impetus they need to make a positive change in their own lives.
The Olympics can also serve as a source of unification between countries. By joining together in an athletic event, countries can put aside their differences and come together to celebrate sport, something which could have a positive long-term impact on international relationships. This is especially the case with the relationship between North and South Korea.
Finally, North Korea’s involvement in the Olympic Games has increased the country’s global visibility and has reminded the world that it is a powerful state. This serves as a reminder as to why international dialogue is important, and how North Korea can become a force for good in the world. Despite its checkered history, many believe that the country should be welcomed into the international community and that we should take the opportunity to encourage unity, diplomacy and understanding between states.
Conclusion
North Korea’s Olympic journey has not been an easy one. The despotic leader Kim Jong-un has been a source of concern in the past, and its nuclear program is still a worry. However, the country appears to be more open to engagement and has taken steps to interact with other states. Its involvement in the Olympic Games, while uncertain, has been a source of inspiration and has allowed citizens to become more exposed to the outside world.
The hope is that North Korea sees its potential in the Olympic Games and uses it for the betterment of the country and the world. North Korea’s participation in the Games could provide a platform for progress and could help to build collaborative relationships between states. Only time will tell if this is the case, however, we can only hope for the best.
