[Editorial] US should adhere to request to postpone joint military exercise during Olympics

A compilation of photos taken by drones shows the ski venue for the Pyeongchang Olympics, which is now less than 50 days away. (Yonhap News)

On Dec. 19, South Korean President Moon Jae-in announced that he had proposed delaying the South Korea-US joint military exercises until after the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics, which are now only 50 days away. Moon also asked North Korea to refrain from committing any provocations until the Olympics are over. We hope that the US will stop hesitating and decide to delay the exercises. North Korea also needs to accede to the request of the international community by participating in the Pyeongchang Olympics.

Delaying the exercises can be called a measure that is essential for the success of the Pyeongchang Olympics. For one thing, that would correspond to the peaceful spirit represented by the Olympics. On Dec. 11, the UN General Assembly adopted the Olympic Truce resolution, which urges all member states to refrain entirely from hostile activities during the Pyeongchang Olympics. By delaying the exercises, South Korea and the US are emulating the global community’s commitment to peace.

Pyeongchang, where the Olympics are being held, is less than 100km from the DMZ. If tens of thousands of soldiers and cutting-edge weaponry are mobilized to participate in military exercises during the Olympics, it’s sure to make the participating countries more anxious. No matter how you look at it, it’s strange to host a festival while simultaneously carrying out large-scale military exercises. And since Russia isn’t participating in the games because of sanctions by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), it will likely not be easy to stir up excitement about the Olympics. Delaying the exercises could do a great deal to make the Olympics a success by not only easing tourists’ concerns but also by inducing North Korea to participate.

If North Korea sends a delegation of athletes, the Pyeongchang Olympics could be a veritable “Peace Olympics.” This could also be a crucial turning point in repairing inter-Korean relations. North Korea needs to take full advantage of this opportunity. To do so, it must send a positive signal to the international community by refraining from provocative behavior.

The US needs to make the first move to enable North Korea to make an appearance on the Olympic stage. Delaying the joint military exercises with South Korea is the starting point. We hope that the US and North Korea will respond affirmatively to the South Korean government’s proposal to make the Pyeongchang Olympics a festival that brings peace and reconciliation to humankind.

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