North and South Korea Unified for Winter Olympics Open Ceremony

The Olympics briefly united North and South Korea — olympians from both countries marched under one flag in the opening ceremony. The two countries are making big efforts to be diplomatic — Kim Jong-Un’s sister is even visiting the winter games for three days and shared a historic handshake with South Korea’s president.

Kim Yo-Jong is the first immediate member of the ruling family to visit South Korea since the Korean War more than 60 years ago. In January, North Korea announced it would send 22 athletes to the games. But the unity isn’t so popular with everyone. South Korean protesters gathered on the streets for the ceremony, saying that they want to use their own flag.

One protester stated, “But this government is stopping is from using our own flag. That kind of peninsular flag, we don’t want that flag.”

The ceremony was held less than 50 miles away from the closely protected border. With the games underway, it will be interesting to see if foreign relations play into any of the drama. The Olympics have a knack for bringing nations together, even in times of conflict. Hopefully this moment of unity will continue for the countries far past the games.