I won't lie, no Russian in hockey makes me way less interested. Like Russia VS Canada hockey games are a really big deal here in Canada. You always have an * next to your medal in the years Russia didn't participate, its kind of a tainted medal.
I wouldn't be afraid to go to Korea though, that Kim guy is all talk.
Ooo that's interesting, I didn't even consider the entertainment loss of some teams not participating and how global viewership might play a factor.
HAha thanks for the commen @viraldrome!