South Korea’s Sweet Sponsorship Squeeze for Kim Yo Jong
In a dazzling display of diplomatic delight, South Korea set aside a whopping 240 million won (roughly $292,361) to host the younger sister of North Korea’s big boss, Kim Yo Jong, and her entourage for the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics. If the Korean Ministry of Unification were a billionaire, this would be a minor spa visit.
What the Bucks Bought
- Luxury lodging: Four leaders and eighteen staff members were checked into the swanky Walkerhill Hotel – a five‑star riverside retreat that screams “We’re not just diplomats, we’re celebrities.”
- High‑speed travel: From Seoul to the Olympic venue on the eastern coast, the delegation crisscrossed the country in style.
- Gourmet meals: Every bite cost more than a cup of coffee. Official staff hosted them at high‑class hotels, turning the event into a culinary gala.
How It Compares
The International Olympic Committee spent about US$50,000 on training 22 North Korean athletes—only about US$2,300 per competitor. That’s basically a few fancy lattes per player.
The real eye‑roller? The rest of North Korea’s “main” delegation: 229 cheerleaders and a massive 137‑person orchestra. The Unification Ministry had already approved a US$2.6 million budget just for these 418 non‑athlete delegates—about US$6,200 per person.
Bottom Line
While the athletes faced a modest $2,300, the North Korean delegation received a princely party package, proving that even in politics, style often comes with a hefty price tag.
