The 2018 Winter Olympics [1] in Pyeongchang, South Korea, are officially underway. On Feb. 9, the Winter Games were welcomed with a fantastical opening ceremony titled "Peace in Motion." The ceremony followed five fictional children [2] living in rural South Korea as they journeyed through the nation's cultural and historical past, present, and future. In a symbolic choice, the future imagined a peaceful world as singers on stage performed John Lennon's "Imagine."
Athletes then filtered into the stadium carrying their national flags, with those from North and South Korea being the last to enter. Athletes from both teams carried the powerful Korean Unification Flag, and several South Korean athletes carried the official Olympic flag. Though the political undertones were palpable, the ceremony also featured fun moments, lively dancers, singers, and, yes, that famously shirtless Tongan flag bearer [3].
Ahead, check out the many must-see moments from the powerful opening ceremony, and see all of our 2018 Winter Olympics coverage here [4].
The five children began their journey through time.
Traditional dancers joined the children on stage.
Dancers operated larger-than-life animals.
Hundreds of drummers took the stage.
Drummers formed the flag of South Korea.
Martial artists showed off some moves.
A fire performer did some risky stunts.
Groups of dancers performed eye-catching choreography.
The flag of South Korea was carried into the stadium.
The flag of South Korea was raised in the stadium.
The official Olympic flag was carried into the stadium.
Athletes from Team USA entered the stadium.
Tongan flag bearer Pita Taufatofua made a dramatic entrance.
Athletes from North and South Korea waved the Unification Flag.
Four singers performed John Lennon's "Imagine."
Ha Hyun-woo, Jeon In-kwon, Lee Eun-mi, and Ahn Ji-young covered the famous song.
A crowd carrying candles formed the shape of a dove.
The five children released a balloon dove.
A torchbearer entered the stadium.
Sumi Hwang performed the Olympic Anthem.
Torchbearers ran up to the cauldron.
The torch was handed off to South Korean figure skater Yuna Kim.
Yuna Kim lit the cauldron.
