Olympic Diplomacy: ROK and DPRK interactions during PyeongChang Games
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We start on the Korean Peninsula. The high-level DPRK delegation to the PyeongChang Winter Olympics is scheduled to return to Pyongyang on Sunday. During their ice-breaking visit, they had a series of interactions with South Korean officials. These included high-ranking meetings, the unified Korean women's hockey team's first official game, and joint taekwondo shows. These activities are seen as signs of easing tensions and progress towards peace on the Korean Peninsula. Let's take a review.
Kim Yo Jong, the sister of DPRK leader Kim Jong Un, and the country's Olympic delegation brought along a special folder to South Korea. The contents were revealed by Kim Yo Jong during their formal meeting with President Moon Jae-in on Saturday.
KIM EUI-KYEOM, SPOKESMAN SOUTH KOREAN PRESIDENTIAL BLUE HOUSE "The special envoy, Kim Yo Jong, delivered a letter from Kim Jong Un, chairman of the State Affairs Commission, which contains his willingness to improve the inter-Korean relationship. Then she verbally delivered Chairman Kim Jong Un's invitation to Pyongyang at a convenient time, saying he is willing to meet President Moon Jae-in at the earliest date."
President Moon responded by saying the two sides should make it happen. Moon Jae-in, Kim Yo Jong and the DPRK's top legislator Kim Yong Nam also watched the first official game of the unified Korean women's hockey team, when they took on Switzerland. As one of the biggest stories from these Winter Olympics, the unified team fought hard in a carnival atmosphere. While victory proved beyond reach, it was never going to be the score that mattered.
"I am very proud of this game, and this is a great situation. The nations have a good chance together, so many things we can do for peace."
The friendship also spread to Gangwon, where taekwondo athletes from the North and South produced a stunning demonstration of kicking, screaming and flying planks of wood on Saturday. The teams from both sides performed separately for about half an hour before briefly joining together as one. The DPRK team will give another two demonstrations in Seoul before returning home.
EUN KYUNG-MI SOUTH KOREAN SPECTATOR "It's different from other performances and my daughter does taekwondo. We came here today because we were curious to see how DPRK taekwondo differs."
During the Winter Olympics, hundreds of Korean fans will wave the unification flags and cheer for the joint appearance of the two sides. Disparities and threats still exist, but they have shown the world what can happen through sports with mutual understanding. And hopes for peace will never end.