In Pictures: Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympic Games opening ceremony - Los Angeles Times
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In Pictures: Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympic Games opening ceremony

Fireworks go off at the start of the opening ceremony of the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympic Games at the Pyeongchang Stadium.

Fireworks go off at the start of the opening ceremony of the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympic Games at the Pyeongchang Stadium.

(Brendan Smialowski / AFP/Getty Images)
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The Pyeongchang Winter Olympics, the first Games held in South Korea in 30 years, officially opened on Friday with fireworks, song and symbolism featured amid celebrations of light, peace, and harmony.

With nods to the country’s landmarks and ancient culture, as well as its potential to lead the world in future technological innovations, the opening ceremony at Olympic Stadium featured athletes from 91 countries, including a delegation from North Korea that marched in with athletes from South Korea. The sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, U.S. Vice President Mike Pence and International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach were among the powerful political and sports figures who attended the extravaganza on a chilly night.

North Korea's Jong Su Hyon, left, and South Korea's Park Jong-ah carry the torch during the opening ceremony of the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea.
(David J. Phillip / Associated Press)

North Korea's Jong Su Hyon, left, and South Korea's Park Jong-ah carry the torch during the opening ceremony of the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang.

(Franck Fife / AFP/Getty Images)
(Franck Fife / Getty Images)

South Korean figure skater Kim Yu-na lights the Olympic flame during the opening ceremony of the 2018 Winter Games.

(Loic Venance / AFP/Getty Images)
(Loic Venance / Getty Images)

Performers beat drums in formation during the opening ceremony of the 2018 Winter Olympics.

Artists perform during the opening ceremony of the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics.
(JAVIER SORIANO / AFP/Getty Images)

Artists perform during the opening ceremony of the 2018 Winter Olympics.

Dancers perform during the opening ceremony of the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics.
(Quinn Rooney / Getty Images)

Dancers perform during the opening ceremony of the 2018 Winter Olympic Games.

(Kirili Kudryavtsev / AFP/Getty Images)
(Kirill Kudryavtsev / Getty Images)

Athletes from the Unified Korea delegation parade during the opening ceremony of the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympic Games.

United States flag bearer Erin Hamlin leads her country during the opening ceremony of the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Games.
(Harry How / Getty Images)

Flag bearer Erin Hamlin leads the U.S. team during the opening ceremony of the Pyeongchang Winter Games.

A young performer participates in the opening ceremony of the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea.
(David J. Phillip / Associated Press)

A young performer participates in the opening ceremony of the 2018 Winter Olympics.

(Brendan Smialowski / AFP/Getty Images)
(Brendan Smialowski / Getty Images)

Fireworks go off outside the stadium during the opening ceremony of the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympic Games.

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