Public Interest in Tokyo Olympics Dwindles as COVID-19 Takes Toll

SEOUL, July 27 (Korea Bizwire) — The Tokyo Summer Olympic Games began last Friday, but a festive mood is nowhere to be seen.

Experts say that public interest in the so-called ‘Pandemic Olympics’ has dwindled with the coronavirus taking a toll on people’s lives.

“The Japanese government has failed to adequately convince its own people surrounding the Olympics,” said Shin Ho-chang, a media communication professor at Sogang University.

“Controversy over the inclusion of Dokdo on certain maps and using agricultural produce from Fukushima have further undermined public interest in the Olympics.”

Some have complained that social distancing measures and bans on private gatherings have deprived them of the pleasure of watching the Olympics together.

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