Dear Olympics, South Korea and North Korea aren’t the same…

2 mins read
South Korea Olympics
South Korea Olympics. Image credit: IOC

In a blunder that would make even a geography teacher cringe, the Paris Olympics opening ceremony managed to confuse South Korea with its northern neighbour, North Korea.

Olympic announcers introduced South Korean athletes as representing the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea – aka North Korea.

Oops.

The Olympic mixup

On July 26, 2024, as South Korea’s excited, flag-waving team floated down the River Seine, both French and English announcers introduced them as North Korea.

Adding insult to injury, they then correctly used the same name when the actual North Korean delegation passed by. The IOC apologised for the mishap on its Korean-language X account.

As reported by BBC, the South Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism planned to lodge a “strong complaint with France on a government level.”

Meanwhile, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) issued a “deep apology”.

“So we made it very clear from the IOC, an operational mistake was made. We can only apologise in an evening of so many moving parts […] and we apologise to the people from the Republic of Korea for that error.”

WATCH: IOC apologises for ‘operational mistake’

South Korean president, Yoon Suk-Yeol, said “such mistakes should not be repeated.”

Many spectators believe the apology was “insincere.”

This gaffe isn’t just embarrassing; it’s a stark reminder of how little some people understand about the two Koreas.

So, let’s unpack the differences between the two countries in the Korean Peninsula.

To understand why this mix-up is so facepalm-worthy, let’s rewind to the end of World War II.

The Korean War: A brief history

Korea, formerly occupied by Japan, was divided along the 38th parallel – an imaginary line that split the peninsula into two.

MORE HISTORY HERE: The impact of Japanese colonisation on traditional Korean music and dance

The 38th parallel dividing North Korea and South Korea

On 25 June 1950, North Korea – backed by the Soviet Union – invaded the South, which was supported by the United States.

This kicked off a three-year conflict that resulted in millions of deaths and tens of thousands of casualties.

The war ended on 27 July 1953, with the signing of an armistice. This agreement (which isn’t a peace treaty) kept Korea divided, setting the stage for decades of tension and vastly different paths for the two nations.

South Korea & North Korea: Key differences

Here’s a quick summary of the differences between South Korea (officially the Republic of Korea, abbreviated as ROK) and North Korea (officially the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, abbreviated as DPRK).

In short: North Korea is known for its strict, authoritarian regime and planned economy. South Korea is recognised for its democratic governance, vibrant economy, and cultural influence globally.

1. Political systems

North Korea aligns more closely with Russia and China.

South Korea aligns with the United States and Japan.

  • South Korea: Democratic republic with regular elections.
  • North Korea: Authoritarian dictatorship under the Kim dynasty.

2. Economy

  • South Korea: Thriving capitalist economy, home to global brands like Samsung and Hyundai.
  • North Korea: Centrally planned, isolated economy with widespread poverty.

3. International relations

  • South Korea: Well-connected globally, strong ties with Western nations.
  • North Korea: Isolated, with few allies – mainly China and Russia.

4. Technology and innovation

  • South Korea: Tech powerhouse, world leader in 5G, robotics, and electronics.
  • North Korea: Limited access to modern technology, restricted internet.

5. Freedom of movement

  • South Korea: Freedom to travel internationally and within the country.
  • North Korea: Strict control over citizens’ movements, both internally and externally.

6. Cultural exports

  • South Korea: Global K-Culture phenomenon with K-pop, K-dramas, and films.
  • North Korea: Limited to state-approved propaganda.

No hope for reconciliation

While the Olympic mixup might suggest the two Koreas are interchangeable, recent events prove otherwise.

In January of this year, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un made a bombshell declaration to abandon the goal of reconciliation with South Korea.

He called for rewriting North Korea’s constitution to eliminate the idea of peaceful unification, cementing South Korea as an “invariable principal enemy.”

This move marks a significant shift from previous rhetoric about eventual reunification.

The declaration follows years of rising tensions, accelerated expansion of North Korea’s nuclear arsenal, and repeated threats of nuclear war against Washington and Seoul.

It’s a far cry from the brief period of diplomacy between 2018 and 2019 when Kim engaged with both South Korea and the United States.

Cheryl Kahla has dedicated her career to exploring the intersections of tech and society. With contributions to numerous international outlets, she provides insights into emerging tech trends, AI, science, and the impact of digital innovations. Outside of writing, Cheryl indulges in gaming, martial arts, and debating the merits of AI with her cat, Gotham. He’s indifferent to the subject.

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