North Korea Anthem Played During South Korea’s Hockey Match at Asian Games
North Korea’s national anthem mistakenly played instead of South Korea’s before a men’s hockey match against Bangladesh at the Asian Games in Gifu, Japan.
In Brief
- •North Korea’s national anthem mistakenly played instead of South Korea’s before a men’s hockey match against Bangladesh at the Asian Games in Gifu, Japan.
- •The stadium announcer apologized for the error, noting it was a different song.
- •South Korea won the match 5‑0, but the incident highlighted ongoing diplomatic sensitivities, as the North Korean anthem is banned in South Korea.
- •Asian Games organising committee did not comment on the mix‑up, and South Korea has raised other organisational complaints.
Why It Matters
The accidental playing of North Korea’s anthem at a South Korean sporting event underscores the fragile diplomatic relationship between the two Koreas, where the North’s symbols remain banned in the South. Such an incident can inflame public sentiment and strain the host country’s reputation for managing international events. It also reflects broader organisational challenges at the Asian Games, which have already seen complaints about accommodation and transport from South Korean athletes.
Key Details
- Anthem Played
- North Korea
- Match Result
- South Korea 5 – 0 Bangladesh
- Apology Issued
- Yes, by stadium announcer
- Anthem Status
- Banned in South Korea
- Organising Committee Response
- No comment
Original Reporting & Sources
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