Kim Jong-un Launches North Korea-Only Olympics Amid Milan-Cortina Snub
North Korea has kicked off its national Winter Games on February 4, 2023, in Samjiyon, a mountainous region near the border with China. This event marks a significant undertaking as more than 50 competitions are set to take place across five winter sports, including ice hockey, figure skating, and skiing.
Overview of the National Winter Games
The games involve various sports clubs from state-owned entities and large industrial sites. The choice of Samjiyon for the event reflects Kim Jong-un’s ambition to develop prestigious projects near Mount Paektu, a site of political significance and a favored tourist area. Last year, Kim inaugurated new luxury hotels in this region.
Winter Olympics Participation
North Korean athletes will not compete in the upcoming Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. The nation’s absence is due to failing to qualify for the event. Prior to this, North Korea last participated in the Winter Olympics in 2018 in Pyeongchang, where 22 athletes represented the country in five sports. Notably, that event saw North and South Korean athletes form a mixed women’s ice hockey team, showcasing a rare moment of inter-Korean sports diplomacy.
Impact of COVID-19 and Historical Context
The COVID-19 pandemic has severely restricted North Korea’s involvement in international sporting events. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) suspended North Korea until the end of 2022 for not participating in the Tokyo Games. Historically, North Korea’s achievements in the Winter Olympics include:
- Silver medal in women’s speed skating at Innsbruck 1964.
- Bronze medal in short track skating at Albertville 1992.
This focus on domestic events highlights North Korea’s efforts to promote winter sports within its borders, particularly in light of its ongoing absence from international competitions amid worldwide health crises.
