Following a 2-0 victory for Korea over Japan in the 2012 London Olympics men’s soccer, Park Jong-soo was seen displaying a sign that read “Dok-do Is Our Land” during the post-game ceremonies. As a result of this display, Park was denied participation in the medal ceremony while the rest of his 17 teammates were given their respective bronze medals. The reason for his forced absence was due to the regulations in place by both the International Olympic Committee and FIFA, both of which strictly enforced rules forbidding athletes from making political statements on the field. Park continues to face undetermined consequences from his actions.
The sign Park held claimed sovereignty over a set of barely inhabitable islands that are also claimed by Japan, and thus, infringed Olympic rules on political grounds. Park is the first medalist at these Olympic games to face punishment for making political statements. Olympic officials asked for action against Park, and so the Koreans responded by barring Park from the medal ceremony. The International Olympic Committee and FIFA continue to investigate the matter.
The confusing parts are the matters in which they specifically investigate. It becomes a matter of perspective and influence. Park is presumably fluent in korean, and it would be no surprise for someone of his stature to be able to read a sign like that in a second. If this was the case, it would be even worse considering the situation and ambience of the London Olympics, where equality and peace is a main theme, as shown by the never before seen number of sports in which both genders could participate. However, one must also consider the rush of victory, which is only highlighted by the contrast of the sadness the losing team is enveloped in, and how it could possibly mar one’s senses. Truly, the post-game broadcast showed how ecstatic the Korean players were. It wouldn’t be far-fetched for a victor like Park to grab his fellow audience member’s supportive sign in harmonious celebration. It just happens to be that the Korean Olympics Committee also seems to view the situation this way, as it supports Park’s claim that his display was an accident and unintentional.
Another possible consequence is that his military exemption might be lost due to his behavior. This is a topic that is divided by the people of Korea, as some argue that he had played throughout the whole match, while others think that he should hold responsibility and take this as a humbling experience. Until the International Olympics Committee and FIFA decides on Park’s outcome, the punishment for his political mistake will be undetermined.
