[Editorial] Pusan Asian Games in a Urgent Need

The worrisome forecast, that the Pusan Asian Games will not be held as desired, troubles us. As the necessary funds have not been supported sufficiently and the projects have been delayed, the biggest event since opening of a port faced the critical situation, which may disgrace itself in public unless the special measures will be employed. Some said that the right of host should be taken back due to the lack of preparation. It is such an international shame.

Shockingly, a report says that the Board of Audit and Inspection of Korea inspected the actual preparatory works for the event on the Organization Committee for the Pusan Asian Games and Pusan City government, and found the 65 cases of problems to be redressed. The report pointed out that the event has been groaning under the shortage of budget since the governmental subsidy ran short seriously and the national athletic fund support has been unclear.

Due to such and such problems, the riding stadium may be completed at the beginning of December after the event ends. What on earth have been done so far? It is pointed out that 17.5 percent out of the total 921 projects have been delayed from the original schedule. It is obvious that there might be a hectic commotion impending the event. If the original plan well well, all projects should have almost been done now as six years passed since the decision of the event host. However, if it is not for sure that the subway construction, which was planned to symbolize the successful hosting of the event, can be finished before the beginning of the event, it goes without saying how other projects are going.

In fact, the Pusan Asian Games have several problems against the successful hosting. Because it will be held only a few months later the World Cup attracting the international interests, it might fall to a `stale event`. Moreover, the presidential election and the general election, which will take place at the time of the event, may take away the peoples` interests. A sense of alienation of Organization Committee made clear from the facts that the government`s unkind treatment to Pusan region raised a controversial debate last May, and the Secretary General retired.

Like the Olympics and the World Cup, the Asian Games taking place every four year are concerned in the self-esteem and the prestige of the hosting country as well as the hosting city. Therefore, the Pusan Asian Games never be a simple sports event, but the promise with 3.5 billion Asians. And it never be an event for only Pusan, but a national event. The government and the Pusan city should set up the supporting measures as soon as possible from now on, in order not to lose our credit which was obtained by the successful hosting of the Seoul Olympics. The government and all peoples should not be excited only with the World Cup, but should give the deep concerns and encouragements to the endeavor of Pusan city.