How did the Asian Games worsen relations between South and North Korea

Picture a weightlifter’s intense focus as she gears up for a pivotal moment at the Asian Games. South Korean weightlifter Kim Suhyeon was just about to tackle the clean and jerk in the women’s 76-kilogram event when an unexpected moment unfolded, painting a unique human story amidst the sporting arena.

A North Korean coach approached Kim with an air of secrecy, whispering words of encouragement. Her Chinese competitor, a formidable force in the snatch, had withdrawn due to injury. In those hushed words, “You have a shot now, so keep it up,” lay the rarest of moments—inter-Korean amity.

However, the Games held other stories, with North Koreans maintaining a chilly demeanor, a stark contrast to the camaraderie of the 2018 Asian Games. That year, the two Koreas paraded together, forming joint teams, all following an agreement reached at an inter-Korean summit.

Worsening Relations

Kang Lee Seul, a South Korean women’s basketball player, recalled how her former North Korean teammates and coach ignored her during this year’s Games. Their post-match interactions revealed a sense of avoidance and discomfort, signifying a departure from the unity once seen on the court.

Professor Jung Giwoong, an expert in inter-Korean relations and sports diplomacy, notes that the changed dynamics signify North Korea’s transformed view of their southern neighbor: “We are strangers now, not brothers.”

This transformation was underscored by North Korean delegation members’ insistence on being referred to by their country’s official name, the “Democratic People’s Republic of Korea,” during press conferences. 

Keep Reading

Professor Jung Giwoong highlights the political implications of sports, emphasizing how they can serve as tools for achieving broader political goals. In 2018, North Korea leveraged the Winter Olympics hosted by South Korea to initiate an inter-Korean summit, eventually leading to the groundbreaking U.S.-North Korea summit for denuclearization talks.

In the backdrop of current heightened regional tensions, Jung suggests that North Korea, using the Asian Games as a platform, sharpened its message regarding the U.S. and South Korea while expressing unwavering support to China, the host nation.

As the medal winners’ press conference unfolded after the women’s weightlifting event, Kim Suhyeon, flanked by two North Korean gold and silver medalists, witnessed a unique and silent dance of diplomacy. Their expressions of concern for an injured Chinese weightlifter and birthday greetings showcased shared humanity. Yet, the absence of words between Kim and her North Korean counterparts was a poignant reminder of the intricate diplomatic ballet that played out amidst the fervor of the Games.

Katherine S

1/4 German, 3/4 Malaysian. I write, follow and monitor closely political news happening in Malaysia, and other happening news in the ASEAN region. Newswriter for the best ASEAN news website - The Asian Affairs.

Recent Posts

Vietnam International Defense Expo 2024

The 2024 Vietnam International Defense Expo was inaugurated by the Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on December 19, 2024 and…

December 22, 2024

Shooting concludes: Stranger Things 5 to release on Netflix in 2025

Created by the Duffer Brothers, Stranger Things is one of the most popular sci-fi horror series globally. It is set…

December 21, 2024

China’s Hypersonic Expansion in Asia Raises Alarms for India

According to the US Department of Defense, China has now produced the most sophisticated supply of hypersonic weapons in the…

December 21, 2024

Melaka International Halal Festival 2024

The Melaka International Halal Festival 2024 aims to turn the city as the prime center of the Halal products and…

December 21, 2024

Chunichi Dragons Renews the Contract of Hiroto Takahashi with Annual Salary of 120 million yen

On Saturday, the stalwart of Chunichi Dragons Pitcher, Hiroto Takahashi attended the negotiation for his contract renewal for the next…

December 21, 2024

Biden-Harris administration cancels another $4.28 billion in US student loans

US President Joe Biden has cancelled another $4.28 billion in student loans for nearly 55,000 people across the country, the…

December 20, 2024

This website uses cookies.

Read More