Calling them 'North Korean' may turn them away from reporters: Naming dilemma at Asian Games

The 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games are approaching rapidly, prompting South Korean journalists to grapple with a critical dilemma: how to address North Korean athletes. As South Korean athletes and journalists are likely to interact with the North Korean delegation throughout the Games, the issue of terminology has emerged as a sensitive matter.

North Korea is contributing around 180 athletes to compete in 14 sports, with the women's football team aiming for gold as the Games commence on Monday. Given that the two Koreas have been placed in the same group, meetings will occur both on and off the field. The central question is what term should be used when referring to North Korean athletes.

The simple act of labeling them as "North Korea" or "an athlete from the North" may cause them to dismiss South Korean journalists outright. This matter has gained heightened sensitivity in recent years as international sporting events have witnessed a broader shift in relations.