ABSTRACT
This chapter analyses and critically compares North and South Korea’s political aims, underlying policies and practice of participating in and hosting international sport events. The focus is on the political objectives that explain both countries’ extensive interest in high-profile, mediated international sport events such as various World Championships, the Olympic Games, the Soccer World Cup. It also illustrates the multilayered significance of the unique Mass Games in North Korea. This analysis is framed by a small number of important concepts, such as political legitimacy, public diplomacy, nation-branding and soft power. It will also touch on issues such as nation-building and national identity, national pride, and economic and urban regeneration. However, the primary focus is on the international significance of taking part in and staging sport events, while recognizing the volatile political climate on the Korean peninsula and the role of international sport events as a forum for the development and public display of inter-Korean relations.
