2018 Winter Olympics: Scenes From the Opening Ceremony in PyeongChang

The 2018 Winter Olympics formally commenced in PyeongChang on Friday morning in the U.S., with opening ceremonies at the PyeongChang Olympic Stadium in Hoenggye. Here are some of the best photos from the festivities.

Bob Martin

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David J. Phillip/Pool/Getty Images

Torchbearers from the unified Korean women’s hockey team, one from the North and one from the South, escort the Olympic flame to the cauldron.

Erick W. Rasco

Erick W. Rasco

Rio gold medalist in golf, Inbee Park, was one of the final torchbearers.

Erick W. Rasco

IOC President Thomas Bach with Lee Hee-beom, President and CEO of PyeongChang Organizing Committee.

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Karen Pence (left); Kim Yo-jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un (center); and Vice President of the U.S. Mike Pence watch the Opening Ceremony.

Erick W. Rasco

Thomas Lovelock

North Korean cheerleaders.

Thomas Lovelock

Flag bearers Chung Guam Hwang and Yunjong Won of the Republic of Korea lead the team together.

Erick W. Rasco

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Spectators hold signs reading "Go Russia."

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An Olympic volunteer carries the flag for the Olympic Athletes from Russia team.

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Team Jamaica dances out.

Erick W. Rasco

Team Nigeria makes its Winter Olympics debut.

Erick W. Rasco

Flag bearer Pita Taufatofua of Tonga leads the team out in below freezing temperatures.

Thomas Lovelock

Skeleton racer Lizzy Yarnold carries the flag for Great Britain.

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Impersonators of Kim Jong-un and Donald Trump are ushered out of the ceremony.

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Performers prepare for the Opening Ceremony backstage.

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Luger Erin Hamlin carries the flag for Team USA.

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Bob Martin

Team USA!

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Team USA!

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Protestors burn a photo of the North Korean flag to protest the country’s participation in the Games.

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Protestors gather outside Opening Ceremony.

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Protesters line up outside the PyeongChang Olympic Stadium.

Erick W. Rasco

South Korean flag is presented.

Erick W. Rasco

Bob Martin

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