Archive · 18 Sep 2026
North Korean Anthem Mistakenly Played Before South Korea Hockey Match
Before a hockey game, the wrong country’s anthem was played for South Korea.
North Korea’s anthem played instead of South Korea’s anthem.
The South Korean players looked confused because they were expecting their own anthem.
Organisers noticed the mistake and apologised.
They played Bangladesh’s anthem and then South Korea’s anthem.
The ceremony was running late, so the players had to get ready while South Korea’s anthem was still playing.
South Korea then won the game 5-0.
The mistake was especially sensitive because South Korea and North Korea have a complicated relationship.
Other teams had also complained about accommodation, food, travel and ceremonies at the Games.
Organisers played North Korea’s national anthem before South Korea’s men’s field hockey match against Bangladesh.
The error occurred Friday, September 18, at Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium in Kakamigahara, Japan.
Organisers apologised, then played Bangladesh’s anthem followed by South Korea’s anthem.
Because the ceremony was delayed, the referee told players to exchange greetings and prepare to play while South Korea’s anthem continued.
South Korea defeated Bangladesh 5-0 in its opening Pool A match amid wider complaints about accommodation, food, travel and ceremonies.
- Who
- South Korea’s men’s field hockey team, Bangladesh’s team, Asian Games organisers, South Korean officials and coach Min Tae-seok.
- What
- Organisers mistakenly played North Korea’s national anthem before South Korea’s match, then corrected the error.
- When
- Friday, September 18, 2026, before the Games’ Saturday opening ceremony.
- Where
- Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium in Kakamigahara, Japan.
- Why
- The anthem was played because of an error by the people responsible for the music; South Korean officials said they were investigating the exact circumstances.
Criticism of the Organisers
Organisers’ Response
Seriousness of the mistake
Criticism of the Organisers
South Korea coach Min Tae-seok called the incident a serious problem that should never happen.
Organisers’ Response
The stadium announcer apologised, and organisers acknowledged that the wrong anthem had been played because of a mistake.
Handling of the ceremony
Criticism of the Organisers
South Korean players could not complete the anthem ceremony because the match was already behind schedule.
Organisers’ Response
The referee instructed both teams to exchange greetings and prepare to play while South Korea’s anthem was still ending.
Accountability
Criticism of the Organisers
South Korean officials were angered by the error and sought an explanation.
Organisers’ Response
A South Korean Olympic committee official said the matter was being investigated to verify the exact facts.
- Event
- Asian Games 2026
- Match
- South Korea men’s field hockey versus Bangladesh, Pool A
- Venue
- Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium, Kakamigahara, Japan
- Anthem error
- North Korea’s national anthem was played instead of South Korea’s
- Correction
- Bangladesh’s anthem was played, followed by South Korea’s anthem
- Result
- South Korea won 5-0
- Wider concerns
- Teams reported problems with accommodation, food, travel and ceremonies
Sources
Asian Games 2026: North Korean Anthem Played For South Korean Men's Hockey Team
North Korea’s national anthem played ahead of South Korea’s hockey match at Asian Games
Blunder At Asian Games 2026! North Korea’s Anthem Accidentally Played Before South Korea’s Hockey Match, Players Left Confused | VIDEO
