Vice President Mike Pence attended the opening ceremonies of the Winter Olympic Games in South Korea on Friday, sitting in a VIP box not far from the North Korean dictator's sister, as geopolitical events on the Korean peninsula continue to overshadow the Games.
Pence also spoke with reporters overseas before attending the opening ceremony.
"We'll be there to cheer on our American athletes," said Pence. "But we'll also be there to stand with our allies, and remind the world that North Korea is the most tyrannical and oppressive regime on the planet."
Pence and his wife attended the ceremony with the father of Otto Warmbier, an Ohio native who died after being held captive in North Korea.
Touching & heartbreaking moment as Ji Seong-ho, who fled the N. Korean regime, embraces Fred Warmbier, who lost his son at its hands. The world can’t forget the atrocities committed by the N Korean regime pic.twitter.com/ucWwzdN6EY
— Katie Miller (@VPPressSec) February 9, 2018
Pence also responded to the controversy over an American figure skater who said he did not want Pence to represent American athletes at the Games because of his stance on LGBT issues.
I personally have nothing to say to Mike Pence. Given the chance to talk after the Olympics, I would want to bring with me people who’s lives have been hurt by legislation he has championed.
— Adam Rippon (@Adaripp) January 20, 2018
.@Adaripp I want you to know we are FOR YOU. Don’t let fake news distract you. I am proud of you and ALL OF OUR GREAT athletes and my only hope for you and all of #TeamUSA is to bring home the gold. Go get ‘em!
— Vice President Mike Pence (@VP) February 8, 2018
