VOA慢速英语:Olympics May Help South Korea Overcome Political Problems

短语讲解：

1. Regardless of the result, South Koreans will choose a new president this year before the games take place.

take place 发生，举行
例句：A total solar eclipse is due to take place some time tomorrow.
明天某个时刻会发生日全食。

2. Some South Koreans are worried about the 2018 Olympic Games.

worry about 担忧， 烦恼; 惦念
例句：Don't worry about me; I'm very well.
别为我担心，我很好。

3. Its governor, Choi Moon-soon, told Yonhap News that it has been difficult to create excitement for the games so far.

so far 迄今为止; 到目前为止
例句：What have you found so far?
你到目前为止发现了什么？

4. “It may not be correct to say that the firms are reluctant to support Pyeongchang 2018 due to the current scandal, but considering its promotional effect, we are in close discussions with the firms.”

be reluctant to 不愿意; 不情愿
例句：If you left, I would be reluctant to part from you.
如果你走了，我会很舍不得你。
due to 由于; 因为
例句：Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, this year's show has been cancelled
遗憾的是，由于一些意外情况，今年的演出被取消了。

5. South Korea’s popular music artists and movie stars are also expected to bring international attention to the 2018 Olympics.

be expected to 被期待做某事; 有望做某事; 期许
例句：I shall be expected to shell out the money for the party.
我将要支付这个集会的费用。

6. In spite of the current unrest, Breen said he is confident South Korea will put on a “fantastic event” in 2018.

in spite of 不顾; 虽然， 尽管…; 别看
例句：In spite of great peril, I have survived
虽然处境非常危险，我还是挺过来了。