▲ The South Korea vs. Bangladesh men's hockey match at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games
The Korean Sport & Olympic Committee (KSOC) has demanded an official apology from the organizing committee of the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games after the North Korean national anthem was played instead of South Korea's national anthem prior to a men's hockey match.
KSOC announced today (September 18), "During the men's hockey Group A match between South Korea and Bangladesh held at the Gifu Prefectural Kakamigahara Green Stadium in Japan, an error occurred where the North Korean national anthem was played instead of South Korea's. Upon recognizing the incident, we immediately discussed response measures, and on behalf of the sports delegation, Chef de Mission Lee Sang-hyun sent a letter of protest to the organizing committee."
Although South Korea won the match 5-0, the national team players, who had placed their hands over their hearts in front of the Taegeukgi awaiting the national anthem before kickoff, could not hide their bewildered expressions.
Through the protest letter sent to the organizing committee, KSOC requested an explanation of how the incident occurred, along with an official apology from the organizing committee and measures to prevent recurrence.
Chef de Mission Lee Sang-hyun addressed the North Korean anthem incident once again while meeting with reporters at the opening ceremony of Korea House held at Lives Nagoya near the Main Media Center (MMC) this evening.
He added, "We are paying even closer attention to ensuring an environment where our players can maintain their composure on-site so that they are not shaken by non-sporting matters."
He also touched upon issues that arose even before the opening of the games, such as the poor container-style athletes' village facilities and administrative delays encountered during transit.
Chief Lee stated, "It is true that various administrative matters are being delayed," while adding, "The delegation is doing its absolute best to respond as swiftly as possible whenever a problem arises."
(Photo: Provided by the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games Organizing Committee, Yonhap News)
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