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The government is "preparing a VIP welcome" for U.S. President Donald Trump's daughter Ivanka, who will travel to Korea for the closing ceremony of the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics on Sunday, according to Kim & Ahn of CHOSUNILBO. The government "apparently wants to soften her up so Trump agrees to a mooted visit to Pyongyang by President Moon Jae-in." One key ruling-party lawmaker said, "You can say that Ivanka Trump holds the key to convincing the U.S. government. We will provide all the support we can in terms of diplomatic protocol." Technically, Seoul has "no diplomatic obligation to roll out the red carpet for the child of a U.S. leader," and even the head of a U.S. presidential delegation does not receive the treatment given to a head of state. But a government official in South Korea said, "We are considering exceptional measures by having a high-ranking official greet Ivanka and accompany her during her visit." The Cheong Wae Dae security team will "handle her safety during her visit." Moon "seems minded to greet her cap-in-hand." A presidential official said, "Ivanka enjoys sports and especially skiing, so we are discussing having the president travel to Pyeongchang with her to watch a skiing competition." The government has to "calibrate the red-carpet treatment so it meets at least the welcome given to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's sister Yo-jong," who visited the opening ceremony. The first daughter has "repeatedly been treated as a virtual head of state during visits to other countries" (CHOSUNILBO, 2/19). YONHAP reported South Korea First Lady Kim Jung-sook will "likely" receive Ivanka Trump. Chinese Vice-Premier Liu Yandong will also visit South Korea as Chinese President Xi Jinping's special envoy on a three-day trip from Saturday, which includes attending the closing ceremony of the Olympics. All eyes "are on any message" Ivanka might bring on behalf of her father (YONHAP, 2/19).
ASIAN GAMES: YONHAP reported North Korean IOC member Chang Ung said Tuesday that it is "possible" for the two Koreas to jointly hold the 2021 Asian Winter Games. Chang also said that if that happens, the Masikryong Ski Resort on the outskirts of the North's eastern city of Wonsan "could be used as one of the venues" (YONHAP, 2/20).
