North Korea’s participation in Hangzhou 2023 Asian Games garnered attention even before the event began. THE International Olympic Committee (IOC) had previously suspended North Korea for refusing to send a team to the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. However, as of December 31, 2022, this suspension has been lifted, restoring their eligibility to participate in international multi-sport events.
After a five-year hiatus since its last participation in the Jakarta-Palembang 2018 Asian Games, North Korea marked its return with a sizable delegation. They assembled a team of 185 athletes, competing in a wide range of 18 different sports.
Throughout the competition, their aloof behavior became a major talking point. The North Korean contingent avoided contact with South Korean journalists and athletes, especially in post-match scenarios. Players were observed refusing group photos and forgoing handshakes with South Korean athletes.
The disrespectful attitude of North Korean athletes was not limited to South Korean athletes alone. The tension was palpable during the hotly contested soccer match between Japan and North Korea on October 1, which ended with Japan winning 2-1.
The North Korean team was criticized for their aggressive behavior during the match. They accumulated six yellow cards for rough play and displayed rude behavior towards their competitors. These actions were recorded and various videos surfaced on the Internet showing the North Korean team’s infuriating behavior.
During one of the drinks breaks in the second half, a North Korean player, Kim Yusong, set a controversial tone by stealing a bottle of water from the Japanese staff. He even threatened to hit the staff, a gesture which did not escape the attention of the referee and which resulted in a yellow card.
Likewise, the team showed signs of aggression towards the referee, when he awarded a penalty to Japan during the match.
