In case you’ve been taking a nap for the past week, you should know that the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics started in South Korea this past Friday.
As always, the games began with an elaborate Opening Ceremony.
Memories from a wonderful #OpeningCeremony night. ❤️ #Pyeonchang2018 pic.twitter.com/rlTU3xU0R5
— Olympics (@Olympics) February 10, 2018
For the most part, reactions were positive.
Was a wonderful and uplifting ceremony – emphasizing piece and unity among athletes everywhere! So much needed right now when there is so much divisiveness being promoted in the world. Thanks @Olympics & @NBCOlympics for covering it!
— Ron Layel, IGP (@rlayel) February 10, 2018
Damnit, Korea. That was beautiful. #OpeningCeremony pic.twitter.com/1cmXKqq0UI
— Audrey (@audreyfsisson) February 10, 2018
There was one moment, however, during the opening ceremony that appears to have confused some people:
Dancers assembled in the form of the red and blue Taeguk, which is the central element of the South Korean flag.
Many seemed to believe this was a reference to the old logo of soft drink giant Pepsi.
In fairness, there is a strong resemblance between the two symbols. But shouldn’t the fact that this year’s Winter Olympics are in South Korea make it obvious what was actually being depicted?
Either way, here are some of the funniest tweets about the similarities.
#pepsi getting some free marketing in the opening ceremonies.
— Brock Buzynski (@Brock_Zilla) February 10, 2018
Plot Twist: the whole opening ceremonies is one big Pepsi commercial #OpeningCeremony
— Colin Baxter (@3_14CBaxter) February 10, 2018
Damn Pepsi even sponsoring the opening ceremonies 😂
— ebutz (@ebutz) February 10, 2018
My kids are so cultured. When the #OpeningCeremonies drummers were shaded in the colors and shape of the Korean flag, they screamed: oooooh, Pepsi! #USOlympics #Pepsi
— Chris Harris (@harriscs78) February 10, 2018
Watching the Olympic opening ceremonies and my mom caught a glimpse of the South Korean flag and goes “oh look Pepsi!” and I think that’s the epitome of America
— Riley Landenberger (@RiPie_6) February 10, 2018
I wonder how much @Pepsi paid the #Olympics for this #OpeningCeremonies shoutout pic.twitter.com/DtSnq4lUyi
— Logan Smith (@LoganJames) February 10, 2018
Were they trying to make a @pepsi logo there at the @Olympics #OpeningCeremonies? If not that's some pretty nice free advertising
— Andy Collins (@AndyNY2) February 10, 2018
BREAKING: In the closing moments of the Opening ceremonies, the red and blue yin-yang sign was meant to signify the flag of Korea and NOT Pepsi Cola. We repeat, the symbol at the closing moments of the Olympic ceremony was NOT a product placement. #OpeningCeremony #Olympics
— Deb Amlen (@DebAmlen) February 10, 2018
Drummers form a red and blue yin-yang symbol, and my son said, "I didn't know Pepsi was Korean." #OpeningCeremonies
— Beth Campbell-Adams (@KayoSmada) February 10, 2018
What I’ve learned from the Olympic opening ceremonies: the Pepsi logo is cultural appropriation.
— ira descence 🐶🎏 (@iradescence) February 10, 2018
What do you think?
