[Purpose] It has been known that Korean Olympic Committee (KOC) was recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on June 20th of 1947, based on the fact that Korea National Olympic Committee (NOC) was recognized by the IOC session held in June of 1947. However, records and archives show that the recognition and the following conditions were somewhat different than what we have known. This study aimed to examine closely and explain how KOC was recognized in 1947, what was the conditions, and what was the role of Avery Brundage related to this agenda. [Methods] This study is a literature review. Brundage Collection, a package of records and letters which Avery Brundage has collected, and the archives of KOC in IOC Olympic Studies Center were examined. [Results] According to the records, Korean NOC was recognized provisionally with a condition of reviewing the situation of an independent nation and responsible for including the North Korean athletes. The unusual recognition appeared to be possible by the role and decision of Avery Brundage who defended the political and military situation of Korean peninsula. [Conclusions] The reviewed documents suggest a need of revision of KOC history as that KOC has been provisionally recognized in 1947 with some conditions. IOC viewed and recognized Korea as a single country and required KOC to include North Korean athletes. The role of Brundage should be revisited.
