Sport
North Korean Anthem Mistakenly Played at Asian Games Hockey Match
South Korean field hockey players were left confused after organizers played the North Korean national anthem before their match against Bangladesh in Nagoya.
During the Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, a significant protocol error occurred on Friday, September 18, 2026. Before a men’s field hockey match between South Korea and Bangladesh, organizers mistakenly played the national anthem of North Korea instead of the South Korean anthem.
According to reports from Khaosod English, the South Korean players appeared visibly perplexed and uncertain about how to react as the wrong anthem echoed through the stadium. The incident highlights a lapse in event management during the international competition.
For travelers and residents in the region, such incidents serve as a reminder of the complexities surrounding international sporting events involving nations with sensitive diplomatic histories. While the error was clearly administrative, it underscores the importance of rigorous organizational standards at large-scale events.
At this time, it remains to be confirmed whether the organizing committee has issued a formal apology or if there will be procedural changes to prevent similar mistakes in future matches. No further details regarding the impact on the match outcome or subsequent disciplinary actions have been released.
