Latest News Headlines Gangneung

Shortly before the official opening of the Olympic Winter Games, the Holland Heineken House in South Korean Gangneung was opened this morning.

A 137-strong North Korean orchestra began with great interest in a first performance in South Korea. Dozens of demonstrators made noise in the vicinity of the concert hall in Gangneung.

In North Korea a large military parade was held Thursday without being broadcast by the media. The parade was a day before the opening of the Olympic Winter Games in South Korea, where North Koreans also went. Approximately 13,000 soldiers took part in the parade that was viewed by around 50,000 people.

It will take at least a week before the Winter Games start in Pyeongchang, but a record has already died: that of the number of condoms. A total of 110,000 items will be distributed.

North Korea is sending an orchestra to South Korea during the Olympic Winter Games next month. The South Korean government announced after consultation with the North Koreans that 140 musicians from the Samjiyon Orchestra will give a concert in the capital Seoul and in Gangneung where parts of the Games will be held.