Olympic Torch in Seoul

Despite Problems, Flame Should Be Kept Alight

What started as a most promising event often turns into a regretful flop because of poor judgment or preparation.

A case in point is the ordeal the Olympic torch is undergoing in almost every country it passes through, resulting mainly from the Chinese organizers' underestimation of the Tibetan people's aspirations for greater autonomy, and global concerns over Beijing's human rights records.

So much so that the average 3-hour, 20-kilometer relay in each country has become a security nightmare for its law enforcement officers. Korea, where the Olympic flame lands tomorrow for a run on Sunday, is no exception. Already, three designated torchbearers have expressed their intention to boycott the event to protest China's crackdown in Tibet. An alliance of civic groups also announced plans to block its passage through downtown Seoul.

As is well known, the torch relay was not an original Olympiad event but an invention of Adolf Hitler in 1936 to politicize the global athletic festival. This seems to go well with the fact that the Chinese organizers of the 2008 Summer Olympics had planned the longest and most eventful torch relay in Olympic history, turning it into the biggest coming-out party demonstrating China's economic, political and athletic power to the whole world.

That might have made the Chinese people feel it all the more annoying for the past imperialist powers in the West to take issue with its relationship with Tibet, as shown by mounting nationalist fervor in the country.

The disturbances in Tibet, however, can hardly be seen as a conspiracy by its spiritual leader the Dalai Lama and other ``outside elements,'' as maintained by almost all the Chinese people, from President Hu Jintao down to college students. The Tibetans' uprising reflects their discontent with the Chinese government's excessive attempts to assimilate it and obliterate Tibetan culture and history.

Before blaming foreigners' criticism of the brutal crackdown on Tibetans, Beijing needs to think about its policy toward Tibet, and all other minority peoples for that matter.

It is true China has endured long years of foreign intervention and exploitation and is emerging as a global power that could rival the United States in the 21st century. Now is the time for Beijing to move toward open nationalism instead of trying to settle old scores.

Korean people can't help but show unusual interest in the Beijing Olympics not only because it is being held next door, but also reminds them of the 1988 Olympics Games, which the world regards as one of the most successful. Through the Seoul Olympics, Korea's democracy and economy rose to mature levels, which the country owes to the interests and support of the rest of the world.

We hope the same thing can happen with the Beijing Games. After all, it is the Chinese people who stand to benefit most from democratic and humanitarian changes.

To return part of the international favor, the Korean government and people need to clearly express their concerns about attempts to trample on democracy and human rights.

All of these expressions should be made in a democratic and peaceful manner, however. Politicizing the Olympics is lamentable enough, but the quadrennial sports festival still remains one of the few remaining hopes for global peace and harmony.

Seoul should never allow itself to put out the flame for such a hope.