[Breaking News] Tokyo Olympics That Even Biden Says 'Not Going'

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] The opening of the Tokyo Olympics is just one month away. While the entire world is fiercely fighting to overcome COVID-19, this grand event of humanity seems to symbolize the global struggle, making one want to cheer it on. However, as a Korean, it is by no means a welcome occasion. This is largely because Japan is politically exploiting an event promoted under the banner of "peace and harmony of humanity." Forgetting Korea’s "Pyeongchang consideration," Japan’s designation of Dokdo as its own territory on the Tokyo Olympics website is disrespectful to a neighboring country.

The lack of courtesy and common sense does not end there. Lee Cheol-hee, Senior Secretary for Political Affairs, recently strongly criticized the attitude of the Japanese media on CBS Radio’s "Kim Hyun-jung’s News Show," calling it "not common sense." He pointed out that President Moon Jae-in is planning a visit to Japan on the occasion of the Tokyo Olympics, especially with a South Korea-Japan summit in mind. The Japanese media portray this as if South Korea is desperate to visit Japan and is being led by the Japanese side. Furthermore, at the G7 summit, Japanese media were quick to report that "President Moon extended his hand first to Prime Minister Suga."

Lee’s criticism of the Japanese media’s attitude is ultimately an indirect rebuke of the Japanese government’s rude behavior. Considering who leaked the article sources to the Japanese media, the answer is obvious. The Japanese government and ruling party’s intention to create a narrative of South Korea being submissive to Japan and to use this for domestic politics is transparently revealed. As Prime Minister Suga’s approval ratings have fallen due to poor COVID-19 response and pushing forward with the Tokyo Olympics, he has resorted to blaming South Korea as a "go-to" tactic. This is to win over the conservative base, his traditional supporters. Japanese media pointing out that President Moon’s term is nearing its end and publishing articles suggesting "improvement in South Korea-Japan relations is difficult under this administration" can be interpreted as an intent to antagonize South Korea throughout Moon’s presidency.

In this situation, should President Moon attend the Tokyo Olympics? In the worst case, even if he attends, there might be no South Korea-Japan summit, and he could return without any progress. This scenario is already being mentioned in Japanese media. If President Moon is snubbed and returns, anti-Japanese sentiment in South Korea could grow stronger, and bilateral relations could worsen further. A reasonable government would avoid the worst choice considering the burden of deteriorating relations, but judging from past precedents, it cannot be guaranteed that the Suga administration will refrain from such a choice.

Another reason why President Moon should not attend the Tokyo Olympics is COVID-19. With less than 20% of the Japanese population fully vaccinated, the Japanese government has insisted on holding the games with spectators. There was even controversy when it was reported that alcohol sales inside venues were once considered. This reveals a lax awareness of quarantine measures, as if making money from the Olympics is all that matters. The spread of the Delta variant of COVID-19, following the UK variant, within Japan is also a cause for concern.

Leaders of countries that supported hosting the Tokyo Olympics are hesitating to participate as these local conditions become known. Currently, the only confirmed participant among leaders is French President Macron, whose country will host the 2024 Summer Olympics, and President Biden is likely to skip the opening ceremony. President Moon also does not seem to need to risk himself by visiting Japan. Why attend a neighbor’s celebration that responds to friendship with rudeness?