The Soviet Union and aligned states had a tense relationship with the early Olympic movement, to say the least. In the early years of the competition, the USSR saw the Games as dangerously capitalist and “bourgeoisie.” 

In response, the Soviets created their own Spartakiad games, inspiring mass games throughout the communist world, including North Korea’s Arirang Mass Games.

While the Soviets would eventually participate proudly in the Olympics, many socialist governments weren’t as enthusiastic over what some saw as an overtly nationalist celebration among former or current colonizers.

North Korea counted itself among these holdouts. And before it ever