Bini Dahal

Besides the most common open table discussions and negotiations, international games are considered an important way to boost a bond between different countries. And international games like the Olympics offer an invaluable opportunity to conflicting countries for improving their relations.
Since the Korean War and its end in July 1953, North Korea and South Korea have continued to share sour ties. The war between the two rivals has never ended on a peaceful note. The North has been a constant threat to the South and its allies such as Japan and the United States of America (USA). It is mainly because North Korea has its strong fascination for unstoppable missile development.
In a situation of the North’s continued mistrust and low will for negotiation, we saw a different show during the Pyeongchang Olympics in 2018. Not only did the North participate in the games but also showed signs of future unification with the South. Both the teams had marched under a unified flag at the opening ceremony and fielded a combined women’s ice hockey team. Likewise, before the games, artistes from these two nations came together for performances.
But these actions did not last long. And the expectation of the South Korean government and the international community is in a questionable position. Owing to the joint drills performed by the South and the USA, the North has been annoyed. And the current situation created by the COVID-19 pandemic has further aggravated the North’s problem. Its unwillingness for international cooperation is clear from its decision to not be a part of the Tokyo Olympics. It has shown COVID-19 as the main reason behind the decision.
This has become a headache for the incumbent President of South Korea, Moon Jae-in, who belongs to the Democratic Party. Since his election as the President, he has attached much importance to enhancing ties with the North. His plan to end the conflict between the two countries and improve relations does not seem to become fruitful. South Korea’s Unification Ministry had hoped to use the chance of Tokyo Olympics to “foster peace and reconciliation” with the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.
Initiating talks with the North has been a challenge not just for the South but also for the US. U.S. President Joe Biden has faced several setbacks while trying to engage in dialogue making with the country.
While North Korea’s situation was never good, recently, North Korean supreme leader Kim Jong-un has acknowledged that his country was indeed going through the worst situation. However, COVID-19 has not spared any nations. Even developed countries are going through a major crisis while trying to prevent their citizens through various safety measures.
So, a country that not only remains unknown to the rest of the world but also prey to a number of sanctions by the international community is bound to suffer in an unimaginable manner. Distrust seems to be the main issue in the Korean peninsula. While the South is ready to extend the hand of friendship and harmony, the North wants to feel secure in every way possible before extending its hand. This has created a vicious cycle with no proper solution. Hopefully, this will change in the future once and for all we will get to hear about peace in the Korean peninsula.