Press reports on emerging Olympic diplomacy have focused on the “charm offensive” of Pyongyang’s First Sister Kim Yo Jong warming the South Korean public while a dour Vice President Pence sat stone-faced through much of the opening ceremony.

Pence was chastised in particular by the fourth estate for failing to rise when the unified South-North Korean team marched together into the Olympic stadium, thus raining on South Korean President Moon Jae-in’s parade. Score: North Korea, 1; U.S., zero.

It, however, never really seemed on the cards for the Vice President to personally greet the North Korean delegation. First, according to