North Korea, On the Pitch and Off
“While North Korea's political isolation in the international arena continues to grow, it faces off tomorrow against Brazil in its first game at the World Cup. Last month's report that North Korea was responsible for the sinking of a South Korean navy vessel in March raised tensions in the region and opened the door to verbal condemnations from all sides. With that in mind, and with so much ill will currently in the air, perhaps North Korea's participation in these games allows for a tiny sliver of sportsmanship and good will to carry over into the political arena. As reports suggest that North Korea is airing some of the games on state-run television, one might hope that the spirit of the games can somehow transcend the sport,” says Michael Kulma, Asia Society’s Director of Policy Initiatives.
Mike, who is in New York, is editor of Asia Society’s Korea Briefing. To arrange an interview, contact the Asia Society communications department at 212-327-9271 or [email protected].