Asian Games 2026: North Korean Anthem Played for South Korea Ahead of Hockey Match vs Bangladesh
An embarrassing gaffe saw North Korea's national anthem mistakenly played for South Korea's men's field hockey team before their opening match against Bangladesh at the Asian Games 2026 in Japan.
The Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026 kicked off with an immediate and significant organisational blunder today as North Korea's national anthem was mistakenly played for the South Korean men's field hockey team. The incident occurred just moments before South Korea's Group A preliminary match against Bangladesh at the Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium (also known as Kawasaki Juko Stadium) in Kakamigahara, Gifu Prefecture. When Is Asian Games 2026 Opening Ceremony Time in India? Know All Details in IST.
North Korea Anthem Player During South Korea's Match
한국 남자 하키 나왔는데 북한 국가가… AG에서 이어지는 촌극 | 중앙일보 https://t.co/4QSoGveb2m
궁금해서 찾아봤는데 진짜 충격적이다.. 잠깐 틀어줬다가 끈게 아니고, 한 절 끝까지 다 틀어줌. pic.twitter.com/nmv1evP6D0
— Studio Ponchak Mania (@PonChak_mania) September 18, 2026
Anthem Mix-Up Shocks Players
The South Korean players, lined up with hands over their hearts in anticipation of their own national anthem, the 'Aegukga', were visibly perplexed when the anthem of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea blared through the stadium speakers. They hurriedly removed their hands from their chests and alerted officials to the glaring error. The organising committee quickly intervened, stopping the incorrect anthem. In a further sequence of errors, the Bangladeshi national anthem was then played, before finally, South Korea's national anthem was heard, leading to an awkward delay before the match officially began.
Official Response and Match Outcome
'We collected evidence, including video footage, to determine exactly what happened and ultimately confirmed that North Korea's national anthem was played,' a Korean Sport & Olympic Committee (KSOC) official stated. 'We plan to lodge a formal protest with the organizing committee'. Despite the chaotic start, the South Korean men's team, under Head Coach Min Tae-seok, maintained their composure to secure a dominant 5-0 victory over Bangladesh.
Match Details
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Competition | Asian Games 2026, Men's Field Hockey, Group A Preliminary Round |
| Teams | South Korea vs. Bangladesh |
| Date | Friday, September 18, 2026 |
| Time (Match Start) | 11:00 AM JST (02:00 AM UTC) |
| Venue | Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium (also known as Kawasaki Juko Stadium), Kakamigahara, Gifu Prefecture, Japan |
| Result | South Korea 5 – 0 Bangladesh |
South Korea Goal Scorers
- Bae Seong-min
- Oh Se-yong
- Lee Kang-san
- Yang Ji-hoon
A Series of Mishaps for Organisers
This anthem mix-up is the latest in a series of organisational issues that have plagued the lead-up to the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. Critics have highlighted problems ranging from transportation arrangements and athlete accommodations to a controversial appearance of a figure representing Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who led Japan's invasions of Korea, at an athletes' village welcome event. Manu Bhaker, Tajinderpal Singh Toor Named India's Flag Bearers for Asian Games 2026 Opening Ceremony.
The incident also evokes a similar error at the 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony, where South Korea was mistakenly introduced as North Korea. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) issued an apology for that blunder. While the Asian Games 2026 officially commence tomorrow, September 19, with the opening ceremony, several preliminary competitions, including field hockey, began today to accommodate the extensive schedule.
The organising committee now faces increased scrutiny to ensure such diplomatic and operational oversights are not repeated as the Games officially get underway, aiming to provide a smooth and respectful environment for all participating nations.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 18, 2026 03:48 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
