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| Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon speaks in a Cabinet meeting at the Central Government Complex, Tuesday. / Yonhap |
By Choi Ha-young
The PyeongChang Winter Olympics represented the changing hierarchy of values among South Korean people, putting more emphasis on diversity and self-realization, Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon said Tuesday.
"The PyeongChang Games demonstrated internal changes ― less obsession with the results, increasing emphasis on the process and individual achievements rather than medal standings and nationalism, and pursuance of diversity," Lee said in a Cabinet meeting.
"It's worth studying changes that were revealed through the Olympics. The government is required to reflect such changes in policies."
The prime minister seemed to refer to the development of public opinions on the inter-Korean unified women's ice hockey team. The government's decision to invite 12 North Korean players to the joint team triggered criticism it would deprive South Korean players of the opportunity to play in the Olympics.
Citizens, particularly young Koreans, did not favor the decision saying it belittled athletes' hard work and efforts. In the end, however, people cheered for the unified team even though it failed to win a single game.
Throughout the Games, Koreans were less obsessed with gold medals, in sharp contrast to decades ago. In past days, Team Korea, often dubbed the "Taeguk warriors," was always resolutely determined to defeat rival Japan. However, the young athletes tended to concentrate on their own achievements rather than being tied up with nationalism.
President Moon Jae-in's congratulatory messages sent to medalists also reflected such changes. In a message to the women's curling team, Moon complimented their great teamwork, wishing them a bright future.
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