Host city Pyeongchang kicked off the 2018 Winter Olympic Games with a spectacular opening ceremony that included a light show, colorful costumes, and fireworks. The Winter Games runs until February 25.
2018 Winter Olympics Open In South Korea
![Fireworks light up the sky above Pyeongchang Stadium on February 9 during the opening ceremony of the 2018 Winter Olympic Games.](https://gdb.rferl.org/4a73fb70-c0ec-4733-bbce-95770e6f7cc7_w1024_q10_s.jpg)
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Fireworks light up the sky above Pyeongchang Stadium on February 9 during the opening ceremony of the 2018 Winter Olympic Games.
![Performers replicate the South Korean flag during the opening ceremony.](https://gdb.rferl.org/5b6cb06a-a349-4a33-b68e-b135efa00e71_w1024_q10_s.jpg)
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Performers replicate the South Korean flag during the opening ceremony.
![Following a spectacular firework show, more than 2,900 athletes from 92 nations marched into Pyeongchang Stadium.](https://gdb.rferl.org/aae2c88e-609c-4d6d-93ab-5c4812d101a2_w1024_q10_s.jpg)
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Following a spectacular firework show, more than 2,900 athletes from 92 nations marched into Pyeongchang Stadium.
![Dignitaries watch the opening ceremony. (left-right front) South Korean President Moon Jae-in and his wife Kim Jung-sook, the U.S. vice president's wife, Karen Pence, U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, (left-right back) Kim Yong Nam, North Korea's 90-year-old ceremonial head of state, Kim Yo Jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, the German president's wife, Elke Buedenbender, and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. ](https://gdb.rferl.org/6cf37e1c-7ca9-4965-b2b7-e2bf4df84ccb_w1024_q10_s.jpg)
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Dignitaries watch the opening ceremony. (left-right front) South Korean President Moon Jae-in and his wife Kim Jung-sook, the U.S. vice president's wife, Karen Pence, U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, (left-right back) Kim Yong Nam, North Korea's 90-year-old ceremonial head of state, Kim Yo Jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, the German president's wife, Elke Buedenbender, and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.