2018 Winter Olympics: President Trump tweets his congratulations to South Korea

Jim Reineking | USA TODAY

Show Caption Hide Caption Pence on meeting North Koreans: 'We'll see' Vice President Mike Pence isn't ruling out meeting with the North Korean delegation while in South Korea for the Winter Olympics, commenting 'we'll see what happens.' Pence stopped in Alaska while on his way to South Korea. (Feb. 6)

With the 2018 Winter Olympics set to begin in Pyeongchang, South Korea, President Trump utilized his favorite communication tool to congratulate the host nation on its preparations for the upcoming Games.

Trump wrote: "Congratulations to the Republic of Korea on what will be a MAGNIFICENT Winter Olympics! What the South Korean people have built is truly an inspiration!"

Congratulations to the Republic of Korea on what will be a MAGNIFICENT Winter Olympics! What the South Korean people have built is truly an inspiration! pic.twitter.com/giN2B1h6Ph — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 7, 2018

Under normal circumstances, sports and politics don't mix, but these Winter Olympics will be very different. The Korean Peninsula, of course, has been a hotbed of heated international relations between the U.S. and North Korea. Amid this tense political backdrop, North Korea will be sending a delegation of athletes and officials — including the sister of Kim Jong Un — to Pyeongchang for the Games.

More: Openly gay figure skater rebuffed overture to speak with VP Pence

More: Don't expect Olympics to provide turning point for North, South Korea

More: Team USA taps its flag bearer for Winter Olympics opening ceremonies

On Wednesday, Vice President Pence denounced North Korea's participation in the Olympics.

"We will not allow North Korean propaganda to hijack the message and imagery of the Olympic Games," Pence said. "We will not allow North Korea to hide behind the Olympic banner the reality that they enslave their people and threaten the wider region."

Pence will have a ceremonial role in leading the U.S. delegation to the Olympic opening ceremony, which is Friday at 6 a.m. ET and will air tape-delayed Friday night on NBC.