Psy’s a hit but ‘Trump’ and ‘Kim’ both barred
Despite the cold, political temperatures thawed as athletes from rivals North and South Korea entered together under a single flag in a show of unity.
And in the stands, South Korean president Moon Jaein shook hands with North Korean head of state Kim Yong-nam to rapturous applause.
But there was a frostier reaction when despot Kim Jong-un’s sister Kim Yo-jong was seated in the row immediately behind US vice-president Mike Pence. The icy welcome came as tensions continue to boil between North Korea and the US. Pence later avoided a potential meeting with Yong-nam when he skipped a reception after just a few minutes. But the party continued in the stadium, where the two Korean representatives waved together as the athletes from all 92 countries taking part paraded round to K-pop tunes.
Great Britain’s 59-strong squad was led out by Lizzy Yarnold, who is hoping to defend her 2014 skeleton title.
Russia is banned from the Games after doping claims. But 169 Russians will compete as independents under the Olympic Athletes from Russia banner.
South Korean 2010 figure skating champion Yuna Kim lit the cauldron, officially opening the Games.
Thomas Bach, president of the International Olympic Committee said: “This is the moment that we have all been waiting for – the first Olympic Games on snow and ice in the Republic of Korea.
“This is the moment that the Organising Committee, the public authorities and so many people have been working for with great dedication and commitment. You all can be very proud tonight.
“Now is the time for Pyeongchang.”
Meanwhile, security was called when impersonators masquerading as US President Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un tried to get into the stadium. Hundreds of anti-North Korea protesters scuffled with riot police outside the stadium in the hours before the ceremony.