Winter Olympics for North Korea?

The winter Olympics in South Korea are quickly approaching. Get your homeschool family ready with this edition of Hot Chocolate and Current Events. In the coming weeks, all eyes will be on whether North Korea will be allowed to take part. Read this article and use the following question to spark discussion with your family. 

http://www.foxnews.com/world/2018/01/02/south-korea-wants-talks-with-north-korea-on-winter-olympics-cooperation.html

Key People and Terms:
Ever since the Korean armistice in 1953, which put an end to fighting in the Korean War, the peninsula has been divided into the communist North and democratic South. They are divided at the 38th parallel, or the DMZ, where soldiers (including American soldiers) are still stationed today. Tensions in the region are great, especially with the recent development of nuclear capabilities in the North. Kim Jong Un is the leader of North Korea. 

Map Points:
North Korea
South Korea
DMZ or 38th parallel

Discussion Questions:

• Why do you think Kim Jong Un said he is willing to discuss sending athletes to compete in the winter Olympics?
• Why do you think he has not accepted previous invitations from South Korea to participate? 
• Do you agree with the South's sports minister that this will usher in an era of peace and prosperity?
• If North Korea participates, should other countries boycott the games, as some are proposing?
• What else do each of the countries have to gain by competing in the winter Olympics? 
• Why do you think the Olympic games could help ease tensions between the nations?
• In his New Year's address, why do you think Kim Jong Un said what he did about the nuclear button on his desk? 

---