ED Creating Olympic buzz

Creating Olympic buzz

Time to capture world’s attention for PyeongChang 2018

On top of sluggish ticket sales and tension with North Korea, organizers for the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games are still concerned about the lack of excitement for the nation’s first Winter Olympics.

There have been some misfortunes, domestically and internationally, that have hampered Olympic preparations. First, the Olympics were derailed by a huge political scandal that resulted in the removal of former President Park Geun-hye from office, with the ministry in charge closely linked to the scandal. International factors, such as sanctions on Russia by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), have also raised concerns for the PyeongChang organizers. It’s time to put all this behind us and exert an all-out effort to make PyeongChang the best winter Olympic Games in history.

With the Games in February fast approaching, the government is undertaking last-minute promotional activities. President Moon Jae-in, who serves as an honorary ambassador for the event to be held from Feb. 9 to 25, took part in a rare media event on a high-speed train that links Incheon International Airport to Gangneung, one of the Olympic venues. The President met with citizens who purchased tickets for the Games and held a separate meeting with sports editors from the local media.

During the meeting with the editors, the President underlined his wish for the Olympics to be a celebration more than anything else. “Our people have been through some tough times recently,” Moon said. In addition, he expressed his wish for an “Olympics of peace,” saying that his government was patiently waiting for a positive response from North Korea on coming to PyeongChang. He said the government was closely cooperating with the IOC to urge North Korea to participate.

The North’s participation would be particularly meaningful at a time of mounting tension in the region due to its incessant provocations. However, there are more important things that the government ought to focus on for success and a favorable legacy for the PyeongChang Games.

First is to ensure more active participation from our allies and powerhouses in winter sports, such as China. China has emerged as a new leader in sports such as pairs’ figure skating. Active participation from China and other countries that have strong records at the Olympics will create more excitement about PyeongChang among winter sports fans and visitors.

Second, the government needs to actively promote PyeongChang as a tourism destination with the global community. The Olympics can be an impetus to revive Korea’s sluggish tourism industry.

Third, it is crucial for the government to come up with a plan to manage Olympic facilities after the games are over lest they end up becoming “white elephants.”

Last but clearly important, PyeongChang organizers need to ensure a smooth operation of the Olympic venues and the athletes’ village so that Olympians can take home good memories of Korea.