Organizers Apologize After North Korean Anthem Played for South Korean Athletes
A mix-up at the Asian Games resulted in the wrong national anthem being played for South Korea's men's hockey team.
Organizers of the Asian Games have issued an apology after the national anthem of North Korea was mistakenly played for the South Korean men's hockey team during a match in Japan. The incident occurred following South Korea's 5-0 victory over Bangladesh.
South Korean players appeared confused as the incorrect anthem sounded. Yonhap news agency reported that Bangladesh's national anthem was played next, before South Korea's actual anthem was finally broadcast. A stadium announcer offered an apology for the error.
"This is a really serious problem. When we protested, they said, 'We're sorry. It wasn't that it wasn't prepared; there was a mistake on the part of those responsible for playing it'," South Korea coach Min Tae-seok was quoted as saying. "But this is something that simply should never happen."
The playing of North Korea's national anthem, along with other symbols of the isolated state, is prohibited in South Korea. The two Koreas remain technically at war, as the 1950-53 conflict concluded without a peace treaty.
The lead-up to the Asian Games, which officially commenced on Saturday, has also been marked by complaints from participating teams regarding the quality and sufficiency of accommodation. One member of the South Korean basketball team shared a video of a leaking pipe and a soaked floor in their room, seeking assistance. Additionally, some teams experienced delays of up to six hours at the airport upon arrival.
The field hockey competition at the Asian Games began on Friday and is scheduled to continue until October 3.