Pyeongchang Opening Ceremony was all about 'Gangnam Style' in 2018

2025-04-27 20:08:19admin

While the competition has already started, the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea officially got underway Friday night local time with the opening ceremony.

SEE ALSO: A complete guide to bluffing your way through the Winter Olympics

NBC won't air it in the U.S. for almost another 12 hours, but the rest of the world (and the enthusiastic Americans who were willing to wake up early and stream it) was treated to a sleek two-plus hour ceremony that featured lots of LED lights, tastes of Korean culture, and loads of flags.

Here are a few of the moments that really stood out and are worth keeping an eye out for when NBC does finally air the ceremony later Friday night.

U.S. parties Gangnam Style

As the parade of nations commenced, pop music blared from the speakers at the Olympic stadium, setting a modern-day soundtrack complete with a line of kids dancing along the path nonstop, creating a feeling of a well-behaved party.

And then, because of course, the 2012 mega-super-worldwide smash hit song "Gangnam Style," sung by South Korean superstar Psy hit. It immediately brought back memories of its viral moment, and, in a moment of hilarious coincidence, it accompanied Team USA's entrance.

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Adding to the moment, cameras cut to U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, who is not exactly known for letting loose, waving to the team as "Gangnam Style" rang through the stadium.

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Tonga Guy is back

Yes, well-oiled Tongan machine Pita Taufatofua is back at the Winter Olympics after his steamy shirtless appearance at the opening ceremony for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio. Taufatofua competed at those Olympics in Taekwondo, but he also took up cross-country skiing so he could participate in these Olympics. He's only the second Tongan to participate in a Winter Olympics.

And he didn't disappoint his fans on Friday, showing up shirtless, despite temperatures just below freezing.

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Baller.

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More flag bearer fun

Taufatofua wasn't the only flag-bearer who had some fun on Friday. The team from Bermuda might not have gone shirtless, but they stayed committed to their identity and donned shorts for the ceremony.

Cold air, Bermuda don't care Credit: Getty Images

Speaking of FUN! While it's not unusual for flag bearers to wear different outfits than the rest of their team, Mexico's German Madrazo (a cross-country skier) brought some Mexican flavor to Pyeongchang in what looked like a full mariachi outfit.

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Mexico reps strong Credit: Getty Images

But you want true Olympic spirit? How about these fun struts from the Ghana and Jamaica teams? The moments exuded excitement, joy, and just soaking in the moment without getting too serious. Bless.

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A United Korea

Not to let things get too silly, the parade of nations also gave us a moment of unity, as North and South Korea walked out as a single, unified team under one flag. The two countries are competing as one for these games, a sign of peace afters years of tense relations.