VP Pence makes news at the Olympics

South Korea’s political parties showed mixed reactions Saturday to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s proposal to hold an inter-Korean summit in Pyongyang at an early date.

Seoul’s unilateral sanctions ban North Korean vessels from entering its waters, but the South Korean government temporarily exempted Mangyongbong-92 from the travel ban.

Although the type of fuel used in the new North Korean missile system can not be determined from the parade video alone, it would be very unusual for a missile of its size to not use solid fuel.

Woo, who described himself as a conservative, said the Olympics are world festivals that North Korea can also enjoy together with other countries.

Pyongyang conducted its largest nuclear test previous year and in November tested its most advanced intercontinental ballistic missile that experts said has the range to reach anywhere in the United States.

Even so, there’s also cautious optimism, or curiosity at least.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged North Korea’s ceremonial head of state Kim Yong Nam to engage in dialogue on ending the nuclear crisis during a brief exchange in South Korea, a UN spokesman said. According to press reports, White House strategists have argued that “limited strike on a missile launch site or other select targets” might convince North Korea about the seriousness of U.S. intent and discourage further escalation. She is in the South attending the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics as her brother’s special envoy.

“We get along personally, so I believe that Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un, if they talked they’d probably get along”.

“Dizzying” is how one South Korean newspaper described the diplomatic typhoon swirling over the Korean Peninsula, with all the big players seemingly wanting different things and Moon, at times, the only calm in the storm.

The public part of the talks was mostly about the weather: Pyeongchang was colder than Seoul, it was agreed.

Another teenage breakout star could be Chloe Kim, 17, the American whose parents are Korean and who is tipped for gold in snowboard as well as adulation by the host nation.

A senior White House official said Pence was not trying to avoid the delegation from North Korea but rather ignore them, according to the AP.

At the 2003 University Games in Taegu, accusations that local right-wing groups had “ransacked” bedrooms and stolen underwear at the North Korean delegation’s hotel prompted the cheerleaders to down pom-poms in protest.

The opening ceremony was preceded by an awkward diplomatic moment when Mr Pence skipped a dinner reception where he had been reportedly due to share a table with Mr Moon and the North’s ceremonial head of state, Kim Yong-nam, 90.

Pence’s office didn’t directly address Kim’s invitation to Moon.

Then, after Pence had departed for home, Moon went to the women’s ice hockey match with the North Korean delegation, including Kim Yo Jong.

A foreign resident living in the North Korean capital, Pyongyang, told Reuters he had seen fewer people in restaurants and luxury goods in shops in recent months.

And while Trump’s unpredictable nature is likely prove a challenge going forward, Oba said the US leader’s capriciousness could in the end prove to be a blessing.

Are these Winter Games having the effect South Korea had hoped, in thawing relations with the north? They start in March, and Washington has so far been adamant that they are crucial.

They were cheered wildly by a crowd which appeared loudest for the North Korean performance, although none of the spectators wore national symbols representing either side.

In South Korea and beyond, commentators are taken with Kim’s surprisingly stylish and relaxed demeanor. No amount of handshakes or smiles, or even Korean booze, can remove that.

“Our objective here today is to stand with our allies, but it’s also to stand up for the truth, and to recognize that whatever images may emerge against the powerful backdrop and idealism of the Olympics, that North Korea has to accept change”, Pence said. Pence carried a similar message.

In that regard, Kim Jong Un has scored a victory this week.

“We surely have to win competitions but I mean attending the Olympics has a significant meaning”, the North’s Alpine coach, Pyon Yong Do, said after a meeting of coaches on Sunday.