Pyeongchang, Feb 10: The ongoing Winter Olympics has succeeded in breaking the political ice in the Korean peninsula. For peace-seeking nationals in both sides of Korea, the handshake between the Kim Yo Jong, the sister of North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un, and the South Korean President Moon Jae-in is a moment to be cherished for generations. Here is the historic image worth more than 1000 words.

Along with Yo Jong, North Korea's 90-year-old ceremonial head of state Kim Yong Nam also reciprocated the warm gesture shown by the South's Moon Jae-in.

The historic handshake was preceded by a string of events which raises speculations over the growing bonhomie between the two divided Koreas, despite the two nations being technically engaged in war. The athletes of both the nations in this year's Winter Olympics marched under a unified flag, while a giant dove lit up the sky -- underlining the message of peace.

The message was not subtle either, as the theme chosen by Seoul for the celebrations is 'harmony', and Soohorang - a white tiger considered as the mythical protector of the erstwhile undivided Korean peninsula - was chosen as the mascot.

While Yo Jong and Moon Jae-in warmly greeted each other with a broad smile, United States Vice President Mike Pence remained away at a length in the VIP box and maintained a stony face. Further giving a snub to the South Korean diplomats, Pence also refrained from attending the joint dinner hosted for dignitaries of all nations.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 10, 2018 11:53 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).