Olympics: In Yuna's absence, Koreans holding out for a Pyeongchang hero

Former Prime Minister Han Seung-soo downplayed Kim Yuna's absence and said it was political upheaval that had served to dampen enthusiasm for sport.

"Interest in the Pyeongchang Olympics has been declining mainly due to the political chaos which prompted candlelight vigil across the country, ultimately ousting former President Park Geun-hye," Han, who led Pyeongchang's unsuccessful bid for the 2014 Games, told Reuters.

But while South Korea was indeed caught up in the maelstrom of a president's impeachment, Park was removed from office eight months ago and new President Moon Jae-in has since restored a sense of calm to domestic politics.

Some observers have also highlighted the impact of security concerns on ticket sales, though worries about North Korea's nuclear and missile programs are more likely to drag on international purchases rather than domestic sales.

With the clocking ticking down to the Games, there seems little time to craft a new narrative of Korean athletes going for gold at the 2018 Olympics.

The short track team should add to their record 21 golds while the patchwork ice hockey squad woven together by former Stanley Cup winner Jim Paek has the potential to deliver the kind of 'David v Goliath' storyline the country can respond to.

However, the stage could also be set for an 'anti-hero' to ruin the mood with Russian short track skater Viktor Ahn ready to return to his native South Korea seeking to end is incredible career on a high.

Ahn won his first three Olympic golds for Korea in Turin but after losing his place in the team due to injury and falling out with the Korea Skating Union, switched allegiance to Russia and won three more in 2014.

His Sochi success sparked an outcry in South Korea as the country demanded to know why Ahn had felt forced to defect.

While Russia's participation remains in the hands of the IOC due to continuining concerns about its anti-doping programme, Hanyang professor Park said a repeat performance by Ahn in February could spoil the Pyeongchang party.

"As host nation, South Korea wants to win as many medals as possible," added Park. "So (if Ahn wins) it would give rise to a sense of bitterness."