Despite decades of hostile relations and bitter dissonance, North and South Korea have made plans to march under one flag in this year’s Winter Olympics, displaying an unprecedented sign of reparation between the two nations.

Since the inception of the Olympic events, the ceremony has signified a settling of differences in an act of unity between countries across the globe, and this step by North and South Korea is no acception. With the 2018 Olympics being held in the South Korean city of Pyeongchang, North Korea has taken this opportunity to extend an olive branch by agreeing to march under a single flag, as well as form a unified team for the women’s ice hockey event.

According to Time Magazine, North Korea has had talks with South Korea beginning as early as the 2008 Olympic games about a similar idea, but these plans were stifled after disagreements about team strategies. With objectively inferior athletes, North Korea insisted on a fifty-fifty split team between the two nations, while South Korea held firm in their opinion to choose players based on merit.

Tensions between North Korea and the rest of the world have increased exponentially since then, with supreme leader, Kim Jong Un, making threats of nuclear war over this past year. This peaceful demonstration is the country’s way of utilizing the platform to display their willingness to make amends.

While the Olympic demonstration could be perceived as a harbinger for further cooperation by North Korea, no assumptions should be made keeping in mind this country’s notably unpredictable nature.