The Winter Olympics started with a colourful ceremony, though the diplomacy was tougher to predict.
ADVERTISEMENTThe Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea, are off to an eventful start.
In a historic moment at the opening ceremony, South Korean President Moon Jae-in was seen shaking hands with North Korea’s ceremonial head of state, Kim Yong Nam, and the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, Kim Yo Jong.
The figureheads from both Koreas shared another moment of cordiality when they made a toast at an official reception.
Moon, who hopes to use the Olympic spirit to pave the way for new talks with North Korea, also sat near his northern neighbours to watch athletes from South and North Korea march together under a “unification flag”.
US Vice President Mike Pence watched the ceremony from one row below the North Korean dignitaries.
The opening ceremony of the 23rd Winter Olympic games took place earlier on Friday.