A month before the start of the 2018 Winter Olympics, the story of the games had already been made. In January, South Korean President Moon Jae-in asked North Korea to compete with them under a shared flag. The controversial decision has the world watching, some with hope and others with doubt.
The two countries marched together at the Olympics’ Opening Ceremony under one flag, featuring a blue Korean peninsula on a white background. This was the first time they walked together since the 2006 Winter Olympics. Moon Jae-in made the invitation in hopes of finding unity in a time of increased conflict between the two nations. In particular, the president hopes to use this tentative peace to negotiate nuclear issues, perhaps providing the United States a chance to join in on the conversation.
Jae-in’s optimism is not shared by the United States government. Recently, Vice President Mike Pence has acted as spokesperson for the United States regarding the temporary unity. Pence, who attended the Opening Ceremony, has not shown any indications of opening up to negotiations. In fact, the White House has released statements vowing to boost sanctions and pressure. In addition, following advancements to the United States’ nuclear weapons fleet, Pence has pressed North Korea to abandon all nuclear weapons. For the time being, American and South Korean military demonstrations have been put on hiatus until April. Pence’s closest encounter with North Korea came during the Opening Ceremonies. At the Opening Ceremony Pence was seated next to Kim Yo-jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Despite the close seating arrangements, the two did not greet one another.
The decision has come in a time of tension between the two neighboring countries. For months North Korea has been sending out threats through various statements, both vocal and through the test-launches of weapons. While these threats have earned the attention of countries near North Korea, the United States has become particularly involved as well, responding with threats of their own. As of the winter of 2017, the United States had roughly 30,000 troops stationed in South Korea.
For the most part, North Korea will compete separately from South Korea in events such as alpine and cross-country skiing, speed skating, and figure skating. The two countries have banded together in a joint women’s hockey team with 23 of the players representing South Korea and 12 representing North Korea. As of now, the team has lost both of its games but still has a chance to win a game under their unified status. Despite the “team” status, there remain divides among the team with some South Korean players bitter about lost playing time, as well as the obstacle of a language barrier.
For now, the typical banter between North Korea and the United States seems to have died down. For the time being, the countries can turn to the Olympic games, celebrating an age-old competition of athletics rather than one of violence.
