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 athletes 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 begin their journey through time.
Traditional dancers join the children onstage.
Dancers operate larger-than-life animals.
Hundreds of drummers take the stage.
Drummers form the flag of South Korea.
Martial artists show off some moves.
A fire performer does some risky stunts.
Groups of dancers perform eye-catching choreography.
The flag of South Korea is carried into the stadium.
The flag of South Korea is raised in the stadium.
The official Olympic flag is carried into the stadium.
Athletes from Team USA enter the stadium.
Tongan flag bearer Pita Taufatofua makes a dramatic entrance.
Athletes from North and South Korea wave the Unification Flag.
Four singers perform John Lennon's "Imagine."
Ha Hyun-woo, Jeon In-kwon, Lee Eun-mi, and Ahn Ji-young cover the famous song.
A crowd carrying candles form the shape of a dove.
The five children release a balloon dove.
A torchbearer enters the stadium.
Sumi Hwang performs the Olympic Anthem.
Torchbearers run up to the cauldron.
The torch is handed off to South Korean figure skater Yuna Kim.
Yuna Kim lights the cauldron.
