Globalization, Regionalism and Reconciliation in South Korea's Asian Games

The Asian Games have exercised an influence over the Asian region which has been strong enough to change the paradigms of host countries having substantial socio-cultural effects on various elements of relationships such as geopolitical diplomatic relations in the region. South Korea has confidently hosted three Asian Games in the last two decades, the 1986 Seoul, 2002 Busan and 2014 Incheon Games. In this study, an investigation of the socio-cultural impacts of the Asian Games held in South Korea in the last two decades is carried out. The focuses of the study are the aspects of globalization, regionalism and reconciliation featured through the three Games. The outcomes of the study may contribute to the understanding of the role of mega sports events in promoting globalization of society and in intertwining with regional states. The Asian Games, as witnessed, which are held while maintaining the motto of the Olympics within Asia, will not only promote the globalization of host countries and cities in the future, but also it will contribute to improving diplomatic relations with neighbouring countries. These games are also predicted to help relieve political tension in the Asia-Pacific region, including the Korean Peninsula. However, as the effects of hosting mega sports events are largely concentrated on the development of their host countries and cities, these events also have the potential to become the seeds of regional conflicts or disputes by creating further competition or a sense of alarm.