Asian Games 2026 Organisers Play North Korea Anthem for South Korea
Organisers at the Asian Games 2026 mistakenly played North Korea’s national anthem ahead of South Korea’s men’s field hockey match against Bangladesh at Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium on Friday. South Korea’s men’s field hockey team stood bewildered on the pitch as the incorrect track echoed across the venue.
Match Officials Correct Error Too Late for Pre-Game Singing
The awkward mishap unfolded during pre-match ceremonies on September 18, 2026. Videos circulating from the venue captured South Korean players looking unsure how to react, with some standing at attention, others running their hands through their hair, and several keeping their right hands over their hearts beneath the unfurled South Korean flag.
Organisers quickly realised the administrative error and corrected the sequence, playing Bangladesh’s anthem next. According to South Korea’s Yonhap news agency, the correction arrived too late. The referee had already instructed the players to exchange formal greetings while the erroneous track was still concluding, which prevented the squad from singing their national anthem together.
Despite the unusual start, South Korea dominated the Pool A fixture, securing a 5-0 victory over Bangladesh. The field hockey tournament is among several sporting events underway ahead of the official opening ceremony, which is scheduled for September 19, 2026. South Korea is set to face Indonesia next in the competition on September 22.
