North Korea Plays Hardball at Pyeongchang – But Keeps Door Slightly Open
In a classic display of diplomatic cat-and-mouse, North Korea’s foreign ministry snapped back at the prospect of a chill Gonzales-style sit‑down with the United States during the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics. The state-backed KCNA outlet quoted senior official Cho Yong‑Sam as saying the regime has “no intention whatsoever” to meet the US authorities while it’s in the South.
Why the U.S. Is Still on the Edge of Its Seat
Meanwhile, Vice President Mike Pence is scheduled to arrive in Seoul and will be there for the opening ceremony. He’s already sounding the alarm that North Korea could be using the Games as a propaganda playground, and that the U.S. is ready to slap the hardest sanctions the country has seen.
Potential, but Not Guaranteed, Face‑to‑Face
- Kim Yong‑Nam, the ceremonial head of Korea’s state, stands at the helm of the delegation.
- Pence attends the victory parade in the same city on Friday.
- Either could bump into each other at a pre‑opening leaders’ reception—possible, but far from guaranteed.
One Simple Sentence From Pence
On his way to the region, the U.S. vice president said he hadn’t scheduled a meeting, but that he would let the situation unfold organically. In short, “I’ve not requested a meeting, but we’ll see what happens.”
So, on paper, North Korea is keeping it very clear that it’s not looking to talk to the U.S.—yet they’ve left the last panel open. Only the Olympic lights will soon reveal who cracks under the pressure, if any.
