For the first time in history, North and South Korea are unifying to make a winter Olympics hockey team. The men’s national team are ranked 21st in the world by the International Ice Hockey Federation, while the women are 22nd in their rankings, and neither side has ever competed at the Winter Olympics. The sport’s popularity lags far behind the likes of football, baseball, and basketball. The players are composed of from both North and South Korea. They were unfortunately beaten by the Swedish women’s team 3 to 1, but that’s not important. What is important is the idea that North and South Korea could one day become unified. The combined team was only formed as part of peacemaking measures taken by North and South Korea ahead of the Olympics, which the South sees as an opportunity to revive meaningful communication following a tense period of extended animosity and diplomatic statement over the North’s nuclear program. The unification of the teams sparked controversy among South Koreans. However, many supported and chanted in joy for the unification of the two war separated Koreas. Outside the ice rink, amid a heavy police presence, dozens of anti-Pyongyang activists braved the elements to denounce the joint team by determinedly waving South Korean and US flags. The actions of these activists should serve as a reminder that the unification of North and South Korea will take more than just the Olympic Games.

Yoo Jee-Ho

Yoo Jee-Ho