Organizing Committee Issues Apology After North Korean Anthem Played Instead of South Korean Anthem

▲ The North Korean anthem was played ahead of the men's hockey Group A preliminary match against Bangladesh.

The organizing committee for the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games has officially apologized to the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee (KSOC) regarding an incident where the North Korean national anthem was played instead of South Korea's national anthem at a men's hockey venue.

The KSOC announced today (September 19) that two officials from the organizing committee, including the director in charge of participating countries, visited the South Korean delegation office at around 9:00 p.m. yesterday (September 18) to apologize for the anthem playback error.

Prior to the start of the men's hockey Group A preliminary match between South Korea and Bangladesh held yesterday at the Kakamigahara Green Stadium in Gifu Prefecture, Japan, the North Korean anthem was incorrectly played instead of the South Korean national anthem.

Immediately following the incident, the South Korean delegation demanded an explanation of the circumstances from the organizing committee and sent an official letter of protest under the name of delegation head Lee Sang-hyun.

The delegation also demanded an official apology from the organizing committee, a thorough investigation into the cause, and the establishment of measures to prevent recurrence.

Previously, the delegation also visited the organizing committee to protest and delivered a letter regarding a performance related to Toyotomi Hideyoshi.

KSOC President Yoo Seung-min stated, "The incorrect playing of the national anthem, a symbol of the country, is something that must never happen at an international comprehensive sports competition, and we view this matter with utmost seriousness." He added, "Above all, while doing our absolute best to protect and support our athletes so they can remain fully focused on their matches without being affected by non-sporting issues, we will continuously demand a thorough investigation and preventive measures from the organizing committee to ensure similar cases do not happen again."

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