A North Korean official this week accused the White House of advocating for a “confrontation . at the sacred place of Olympic Games” in South Korea next month, after a senior White House official said last week that Vice President Pence will travel to the Games in an effort to counter attempts by North Korea to “hijack” the event by pushing its own propaganda. The group included Hyon Song Wol, a popular singer in North Korea’s Moranbong Band and a rising political star in Kim’s regime. Pak, who declined to address any issues other than the Olympics during the interview Monday, said he does not understand the vice president’s concerns, as communicated by the White House official, and that the delegation of musicians “has nothing to do with . propaganda.” Pak said he is not aware of any other countries participating in the Winter Olympics who share the same concerns about North Korea.

Source: Washington Post January 30, 2018 15:59 UTC