Among the IOC selection criteria, citizen support is an important factor, and internal unity is urgent.
Diplomatic competition with the international community beyond Seoul, focusing on the field rather than documents
It is unfortunate that there is no unity within Jeonbuk, adding to the confusion.
There are many practical benefits that can be gained through the challenge of attracting people, and the need to pursue the essence rather than tricks is urgent.
Olympic summit chaired by the IOC President/Photo = IOC
Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province has become at the forefront of ‘sports diplomacy’, which has been likened to a war without gunfire, with Governor Kim Kwan-young’s hosting of the Olympics. Governor Kim’s challenge to host the Olympics itself means that it has become a stage for comprehensive evaluation of his diplomatic and administrative power. (Related article, page 3)
In particular, as the International Olympic Committee (IOC) views the united will and unity of the citizens of the host city as important evaluation factors, the biggest challenge for Jeonbuk has emerged as unity from within.
According to the sports world on the 20th, Jeonbuk’s bid to host the Olympics is on a different level from the World Scout Jamboree or the World Korean Business Convention. Rather than simply hosting an international sports event, Jeonbuk will become the center of the event, and it will serve as a venue for Korea to prove its capabilities as an international leader in publicizing global issues in the international community.
The reason why there was so much controversy regarding Governor Kim’s challenge to host the Olympics was because they realized through the jamboree that although the hosting itself was important, how well the Games were conducted after the hosting was more important.
Prior to regional development, we must think about how well we can host a mega sports event called the 2036 Olympics and win the sports diplomacy battle only if the local community first becomes one.
Sports diplomacy is far from simple ‘showing off personal connections’. We need to understand the rapidly changing trends in the sports world and preemptively target key figures as well as provide reasonable justification. In fact, the IOC also views communication between members and candidate cities as an important factor.
Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province Governor Kim Kwan-young conducting diplomatic activities at the 2024 Paris Olympics/Photo = Jeonbuk Province
It is not unrelated to this that Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon met IOC President Thomas Bach three times in 2022 and received a lot of attention. It is pointed out that Jeonbuk should also devote all its capabilities to sports diplomacy as the selection of the domestic host site is imminent in February next year. This means that it is necessary to find contact points with IOC members and meet them in person to appeal various issues.
Harmony with the political world is also urgently needed. It is also worth noting that the Seoul City Council placed an order on the 13th to provide support for the hosting of the 2036 Olympic Games, ‘Study on the Seoul City Council’s support plan for hosting the 2036 Olympic Games.’
Jeonbuk, which has already drawn its sword in the bid to host the event, is advised by the sports community that the IOC has hinted at the possibility of hosting the event in dispersed cities, so the conflict should be resolved quickly and the council and the province should show that they are working together.
A key official in the sports world who requested anonymity advised, “The spirit of the Olympics is communication and harmony, and Governor Kim Kwan-young and the political circles should have implemented this spirit and jumped into the bidding war.”
Along with the Korea Sports Council, a customized strategy for IOC members is also mentioned as an essential element.
According to the IOC, out of a total of 115 IOC members, 111 are currently active. In Korea, IOC members include Lee Ki-heung, president of the Korea Sports Council, and Kim Jae-yeol, president of the International Skating Federation and president of Samsung Global Research. Chairman Lee needs to prepare for the recent crisis in the national inspection and the retirement age of the IOC member (70 years old).
It is known that Jeonbuk Governor Kim Gwan-young led a diplomatic mission during the 2024 Paris Olympics and focused on ‘promoting Jeonbuk’ on the spot as part of sports diplomacy.
※ In the following cases, it will be deleted without notice.
· Obscenity and information harmful to youth · Personal information · Comments that may be defamatory · Comments on the same article (or only partially written differently) more than once · Comments that use discriminatory (disparaging) words or content · Violate other relevant laws and regulations comment
How can Jeonbuk leverage its local culture and attractions to enhance its appeal as a potential host for the 2036 Olympics?
1. What are the specific challenges that Jeonbuk faces in its bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games, and how can they be addressed to strengthen their chances of success?
2. What role does Governor Kim Kwan-young’s diplomatic experience and previous involvement in the World Scout Jamboree and Paris Olympics play in his push for the Jeonbuk Olympics?
3. How important is it for Jeonbuk to demonstrate unity between the local community, provincial government, and political leaders in their bid for the Olympics?
4. What strategies can Jeonbuk employ to effectively communicate with members of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and persuade them of the merits of hosting the event in their region?
5. Given that the IOC has hinted at the possibility of hosting the games in dispersed cities, how should Jeonbuk balance presenting a cohesive bid while also highlighting the benefits of their region?
6. What is the significance of Governor Kim’s recent diplomatic mission to the Paris Olympics, and how might it impact Jeonbuk’s chances of securing the 2036 Games?
7. What are some potential challenges that Governor Kim and the Jeonbuk government may face in coordinating their efforts with the political establishment and Korea Sports Council?
8. As the selection process for the host city draws near, what steps can be taken to ensure that Jeonbuk’s bid is well-received and supported by other relevant stakeholders, both within Korea and internationally?