North Korea Anthem Mistake at Asian Games Hockey Match
During the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, an error at the Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium caused North Korea’s national anthem to be played instead of South Korea’s before the men’s field‑hockey match against Bangladesh. The mistake left South Korean players bewildered, but the event was quickly…
By Felo News Desk · Published
The 2026 Asian Games, staged in Nagoya and Gifu, Japan, were already under scrutiny for a series of organisational blunders. The most striking of these occurred on the opening day of the men’s field‑hockey tournament, when the national anthem of North Korea was mistakenly played instead of South Korea’s before the match against Bangladesh.
What Happened
At the Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium, South Korean players lined up for their opening game. As the stadium announcer began the anthem, the tune that filled the air was that of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. The South Korean squad stared in confusion, some standing at attention, others placing a hand over their hearts, unsure of how to react. The error was quickly recognised by the announcer, who immediately apologised and switched to the correct anthem. The match then proceeded, with South Korea defeating Bangladesh 5‑0.
Background on the Two Koreas
The incident is particularly sensitive given the historical context. The Korean War, fought from 1950 to 1953, ended with an armistice rather than a peace treaty, leaving the two Koreas technically still at war. Symbols of the North, including its national anthem, are banned in South Korea. The emotional impact of hearing the North’s anthem in a South Korean sporting event cannot be overstated.
Organising Committee’s Response
The stadium announcer issued a public apology, stating, “We are really sorry, terribly sorry. National anthem for the Republic of Korea, we played a different song. I’m really sorry.” The Asian Games organising committee in Japan did not issue an immediate statement, but the incident was reported widely by local media and international outlets such as Al Jazeera, The Independent, Times Now News, and the Associated Press.
Logistical Challenges at the Games
South Korean athletes had already faced a range of logistical issues before the hockey match. Basketball players complained about the size of their accommodation rooms, while the men’s football team reported transport problems that disrupted their preparations. These frustrations were compounded by the fact that many athletes, including those from India, had to wait for hours for lodging and, in some cases, slept on the floor at the waiting centre. The Games’ village, a first for the Asian Games, houses athletes in cruise ships, container hotels, and standard hotels, a cost‑cutting measure that has drawn criticism.
Outcome of the Match
Despite the pre‑match confusion, South Korea dominated the field. Goals from Bae Soung Min, Oh Seyong, Lee Gangsan, Yang Jihun, and Sim Jaewon secured a 5‑0 victory over Bangladesh. The win gave the South Korean men’s hockey team a strong start to their campaign and positioned them as one of the favourites for the gold medal, a title they have won four times in the history of the Games.
What’s Next?
The Asian Games officially opened on Saturday, the day after the hockey incident. While the organisers have not yet released a comprehensive statement on the anthem error, the event has sparked discussions about the need for stricter protocols in future multi‑sport events. The incident also serves as a reminder of the lingering tensions on the Korean Peninsula and the importance of cultural sensitivity in international competitions.
Key facts
- North Korea’s anthem mistakenly played before South Korea’s hockey match
- South Korean players were confused but the match proceeded
- South Korea won 5‑0 against Bangladesh
- Organisers apologized and corrected the mistake
- The incident underscores ongoing tensions between the Koreas
Why it matters
The anthem error highlights the delicate diplomatic climate between North and South Korea and exposes organisational shortcomings in a major international sporting event.
Frequently asked questions
Why was North Korea’s anthem played?
The stadium announcer mistakenly selected the wrong track from the audio library.
Did the South Korean team protest?
They expressed confusion but did not formally protest; the match proceeded after the correction.
Will the organisers face penalties?
No formal penalties have been announced, but the incident has prompted a review of event protocols.
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