Event that could cool down Korean peninsula

CNN (US) reported on September 20 that South Korean President Moon Jae-in mentioned a “bold plan” for the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang that could help unite the two Koreas.

In 1988, the Summer Olympics were held in Seoul, South Korea. However, North Korea protested and refused to participate in the sporting event.

In an interview with CNN, President Moon Jae-in expressed his view that the 1988 Summer Olympics played a role in ending the Cold War, helping countries come closer together.

Photo: Le Monde

Mr. Moon Jae-in commented that the 1988 Summer Olympics had the least number of countries refusing to participate compared to previous games held during the Cold War period.

“I believe the PyeongChang Winter Olympics will provide opportunities for the entire international community,” said President Moon Jae-in.

To date, no North Korean athlete has won the right to participate in the PyeongChang Winter Olympics, although the leaders of Gangwon province have asked the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for special permission.

“I hope North Korean athletes will also participate, and this will provide a good opportunity for inter-Korean peace and reconciliation. And on this issue, we are closely cooperating and consulting with the IOC,” President Moon said.

He is also optimistic: “Right after the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics, the 2020 Summer Olympics will be held in Tokyo and Beijing will host the 2022 Winter Olympics. So in the next 4 years, the Olympics will be held in Korea, Japan and China, and I believe this will provide a good opportunity to build peace and cooperation in Northeast Asia.”

“I would like to propose this bold plan to the leaders of Northeast Asian countries,” said Mr. Moon Jae-in.

Both South Korea and North Korea have strong sports movements, with football being popular. Earlier this year, more than 40,000 people packed Kim Il Sung Stadium for an Asian Cup qualifier in Pyongyang.

The PyeongChang Winter Olympics will be held from February 9-25, 2018.

Tensions have been rising in recent months as US President Donald Trump warned of “fire and fury” against North Korea if it continues to threaten Washington and its allies. For his part, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un ordered the launch of two missiles over Japan and then conducted his sixth nuclear test on September 3.

According to Tin Tuc Newspaper