Simone Lawson
North Korea's participation in the Olympics has often been a politically charged issue. The country's presence at the Games has been used to further diplomatic agendas, with the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics being a notable example. At these Games, North and South Korean athletes marched together under a 'unification' flag, and a joint women's ice hockey team was fielded. This momentary unity, however, did not lead to sustained diplomatic breakthroughs, and North Korea continues to face sanctions and international isolation due to its nuclear weapons program and human rights abuses. With the Olympics being one of the few platforms for North Korea to engage with the global community, the question arises: can North Korea's diplomacy outlast the Olympics, or are these moments of unity fleeting and primarily symbolic?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| First appearance at the Olympics | 1964 Winter Olympics |
| First Summer Olympics | 1972 Munich Olympics |
| Number of medals won | 63 |
| Number of medals won at the Winter Games | 2 |
| Number of athletes sent to the 2018 Winter Olympics | 22 |
| Number of supporters sent to the 2018 Winter Olympics | 400 |
| Year of the last Summer Olympics attended | 2012 |
| Reason for not attending the 2020 Summer Olympics | COVID-19 concerns |
| Year North Korea was suspended from the IOC | 2021 |
| Reason for suspension from the IOC | Withdrew unlawfully from the 2020 Tokyo Games |
| Number of athletes sent to the 2024 Summer Olympics | N/A |
| North Korea's mission at the 2024 Summer Olympics | Rebuilding trust with the Olympic family and seeking the prestige of competing under their country's preferred name |
| Number of medals won at the 2024 Summer Olympics | 5 |
| North Korea's diplomatic goals at the Olympics | Weaken the U.S.-South Korea alliance, buy time for arms buildup, reduce international pressure and sanctions enforcement, and take advantage of propaganda opportunities |
| South Korea's diplomatic goals at the Olympics | Continue the atmosphere of cooperation post-Olympics to allow for separated family reunions, humanitarian programs, and enduring lines of communication |
| U.S. diplomatic goals at the Olympics | Counter North Korea's charm offensive, pressure Kim Jong-un, and support freedoms for the North Korean people |
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What You'll Learn
North Korea's absence from the Tokyo Olympics
North Korea has a history of using its participation in the Olympics to further its diplomatic agenda. In the past, North and South Korean athletes have marched together under a "unification flag," symbolizing inter-Korean reconciliation. However, in 2021, North Korea decided to boycott the Tokyo Olympics, citing COVID-19 concerns. This decision was not surprising, as North Korea has been dealing with the pandemic by tightly shutting its borders to prevent outbreaks.
The country's fragile healthcare system and struggling economy could not withstand a major outbreak. Additionally, North Korea has a history of boycotting the Olympics when held in South Korea, as was the case in 1988. The absence from the Tokyo Olympics may also be due to the fear of cultural influence from South Korea, as the contrast between the prosperous South and the struggling North has become more pronounced in recent years.
Despite not attending, North Korea's presence was still felt at the Tokyo Olympics. The decision to boycott the Games was a notable story, especially for those who follow the intersection of sports and diplomacy. North Korea's propaganda machine is known to use international attention to advance its needs, and its absence was a departure from the usual tactics.
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The unification flag
The use of the unification flag at the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics was particularly notable. It was carried by the joint Korean delegation during the opening ceremony, and it represented Seoul's hope for improving relations with Pyongyang. However, not everyone in South Korea supported the use of the flag, with some seeing it as romanticizing the situation and undermining South Korea's moment as the host nation. There were also protests from Japan due to territorial disputes, leading to an altered design of the flag that did not depict the disputed territory.
The flag has also been flown at other Olympic Games, including the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, the 2004 Summer Olympics, and the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy. The use of the unification flag at these Games often mirrored the political ties between North and South Korea at the time, with joint marches and unified teams during periods of improved relations.
Overall, the unification flag serves as a powerful symbol of Korean unification and has been used at various international sporting events, including the Olympics. While it has been a source of controversy and differing interpretations, it also represents a hope for improved relations and peace between North and South Korea.
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North Korea's pursuit of a nuclear-armed long-range missile program
North Korea's conventional military capabilities have become increasingly obsolete, leading the country to adopt a national security strategy centred on asymmetric capabilities and weapons of mass destruction. Pyongyang has invested heavily in long-range ballistic missiles and miniaturising its nuclear weapons. In 2017, North Korea tested its first intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), the Hwasong-14, and later that year, it tested a heavier ICBM design, the Hwasong-15. North Korea has also displayed two other long-range ballistic missiles, the KN-08 and KN-14, but it is unclear if these are still in active development.
In addition to its ICBM program, North Korea has also been working on short- and medium-range missile systems, including artillery and short-range rockets such as the Scud-based and No-Dong missiles. In 2019, North Korea tested a range of new short-range, solid-fuelled missiles like the KN-23 and KN-25. North Korea has also sought to advance its nuclear capabilities, arguing that it is necessary to counter the expansion of US-South Korean military exercises.
The country's nuclear and missile programs are funded through various means, including the export of weapons and missile technology to other nations. The Korea Mining and Development Trading Corporation (KOMID) has been identified as North Korea's primary arms dealer and exporter of ballistic missile equipment. KOMID has sold missile technology to Iran, Taiwan, Africa, South America, and the Middle East. North Korea has also used front companies like Hap Heng to sell weapons and missile and nuclear technology to nations like Pakistan and Iran.
The international community has responded to North Korea's nuclear and missile development with sanctions and diplomatic efforts. In 2012, North Korea agreed to suspend uranium enrichment and long-range missile tests while negotiations with the United States were ongoing. However, after North Korea conducted a long-range missile test in April 2012, the United States halted plans to provide humanitarian food aid. The United Nations Security Council has also imposed additional sanctions on North Korea in response to its missile and nuclear activities.
Despite these efforts, North Korea has continued to advance its nuclear-armed long-range missile program. In 2024, South Korea's military intelligence agency reported that North Korea had likely completed preparations for its seventh nuclear test. Experts believe that North Korea may be seeking Russian assistance to perfect its nuclear-capable missiles, potentially in exchange for its support in the war in Ukraine. North Korea's pursuit of this program demonstrates its commitment to advancing its military capabilities and poses a significant threat to regional and international security.
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The role of the International Olympic Committee
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has played a significant role in North Korea's participation in the Olympic Games. The IOC recognised North Korea's National Olympic Committee in 1957, enabling the country to make its Olympic debut in 1964.
Over the years, the IOC has facilitated North Korea's involvement in the Games, even when diplomatic tensions arose. Notably, the IOC allowed North and South Korea to march together under a unification flag, symbolising inter-Korean reconciliation. This gesture, however, has been met with mixed reactions, as some view it as legitimising a regime that contradicts the Olympic spirit.
The IOC has also contributed financially to North Korea's Olympic endeavours. Since 2014, through the Olympic Solidarity Programme, the IOC has provided funds to develop sports in North Korea. This financial support has been a rare source of foreign income for the country, which has faced international sanctions due to its nuclear weapons programme.
The IOC's role in North Korea's diplomacy extends beyond the Olympics. Chang Ung, who maintained the link between North Korea and the IOC for over two decades, played a crucial role in sports diplomacy. His retirement created a gap in North Korea's diplomatic networks, which his successor, Kim Il-guk, is now tasked with filling.
Despite the IOC's efforts to include North Korea in the Olympic community, critics argue that the committee turns a blind eye to the country's human rights abuses and its treatment of athletes. North Korean athletes often compete under constant surveillance and face consequences for any deviation from the regime's expectations.
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North Korea's diplomatic isolation
North Korea has a history of diplomatic isolation due to its nuclear weapons programme and human rights abuses. The country has been under international sanctions for over two decades, which has limited its engagement with the global community. The Olympic Games are one of the few platforms where North Korea can interact with other nations.
North Korea's participation in the Olympics has been sporadic, with the country boycotting several Games and being suspended for others. The country's involvement in the Games often serves as a diplomatic gateway, with the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics being a notable example. During this time, athletes from North and South Korea marched together under a "unification" flag, and a joint women's ice hockey team was formed. This led to a brief period of diplomatic engagement between North Korea and the United States, with several summits between Kim Jong-un and then-US President Donald Trump.
However, these diplomatic efforts did not lead to significant changes, and North Korea continues to face sanctions that cripple its economy. The country's absence from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics was also notable, as it reflected North Korea's COVID paranoia and the complex politics surrounding its relationship with other nations.
Despite the isolation, North Korea has found opportunities to engage with the international community through the Olympics. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is one of North Korea's most important international partners, providing funding for sports development since 2014. North Korea's participation in the Games, even if last-minute, can lower the chances of military provocations and provide a platform for potential diplomatic interactions.
While North Korea's diplomatic isolation is evident, the country continues to seek opportunities to engage with the global community, especially through the Olympic Games and its partnership with the IOC.
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Frequently asked questions
The unification flag is a symbol of inter-Korean reconciliation. It represents the Korean peninsula in its geographical entirety.
North Korea's participation in the Olympics provides the country with a platform to engage with the global community, especially given its diplomatic isolation. It also allows the country to access funds from the Olympic Solidarity Programme.
North Korea's absence from the Olympics is noteworthy, especially in the context of sports diplomacy and the intersection of sports and politics. It may reflect the country's COVID paranoia and concerns about the delta variant.
Sports diplomacy with North Korea is challenging due to the country's human rights abuses, systematic abuse of athletes, and the iron-fisted control of Kim Jong-un, who breaks international agreements with impunity.
North Korea's Olympic diplomacy aims to weaken the U.S.-South Korea alliance, buy time for its arms buildup, reduce international pressure and sanctions, and take advantage of propaganda opportunities to bolster domestic legitimacy.
