Nuclear issue still a thorn in current Korean détente

United States Vice-President Mike Pence went to Pyeongchang committed to foiling Pyongyang's alleged attempt to "hijack the message and imagery" of the Olympics.

He left insisting "there is no daylight" among the US, Japan and the Republic of Korea on sustaining the strategy of extreme pressure. However, the latest developments offer no clue whether that is indeed the case or not.

Athletes from both sides of the 38th parallel marched into the stadium under a "Korean Peninsula" flag and sat shoulder to shoulder behind the podium, where IOC President Thomas Bach gave a sentimental eulogy to the power of unity.