Korean anthem mistake occurs before South Korea's field hockey match
3 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 18, 2026, 5:18 PM
Last updated Sep 18, 2026
During the Asian Games on September 18, South Korea's national anthem was mistakenly replaced by North Korea's before a men's field hockey match against Bangladesh. South Korean players showed visible confusion while the anthem played. The error was quickly corrected before the match began, which South Korea won 5-0. The Asian Games officially open the following day, with a crowded schedule featuring over 11,000 athletes.
- •North Korean anthem played before South Korea vs. Bangladesh match.
- •Players showed confusion during the anthem.
- •Organizers corrected the mistake quickly.
- •South Korea secured a 5-0 victory.
- •The Asian Games officially open on September 19.
- 5:18 PMYahoo Sports — North Korean anthem played for South Korea at Asian Games
- 3:57 PMBBC Sport — North Korean anthem played for South Korea at Asian Games
- 7:25 AMYahoo Sports — They're not playing our song! Wrong Korean anthem played at field hockey match at Asian Games
"South Korean field hockey players were perplexed Friday when the national anthem of North Korea was played — instead of their own — before a men’s field hockey match against Bangladesh at the Asian Games. Many South Korean players stood at attention, some ran their hands through their hair, and some left their right hand over their heart as the music played.
"Organisers have apologised for playing the North Korean national anthem for the South Korean men's hockey team at the Asian Games in Japan.
"Organisers have apologised for playing the North Korean national anthem for the South Korean men's hockey team at the Asian Games in Japan.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 18, 2026, 5:18 PMNorth Korean anthem played for South Korea at Asian Games
Organisers have apologised for playing the North Korean national anthem for the South Korean men's hockey team at the Asian Games in Japan.
- BBC SportSep 18, 2026, 3:57 PMNorth Korean anthem played for South Korea at Asian Games
Organisers have apologised for playing the North Korean national anthem for the South Korean men's hockey team at the Asian Games in Japan.
- Yahoo SportsSep 18, 2026, 7:25 AMThey're not playing our song! Wrong Korean anthem played at field hockey match at Asian Games
South Korean field hockey players were perplexed Friday when the national anthem of North Korea was played — instead of their own — before a men’s field hockey match against Bangladesh at the Asian Games. Many South Korean players stood at attention, some ran their hands through their hair, and some left their right hand over their heart as the music played.
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