Calling them 'North Korean' may turn them away from reporters: Naming dilemma at Asian Games
The 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games are just around the corner. For journalists, that means a hectic rush to arrange accommodation and transport around competition schedules. But this time, something else is weighing on South Korean reporters’ minds: when they encounter North Korean athletes, how should they address them? South Korean athletes and journalists alike are bound to cross paths with the…
The 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games loom on the horizon, prompting South Korean journalists to contemplate a delicate dilemma. As the South Korean contingent prepares for cross paths with the North Korean athletes, the question arises: how should they refer to them? The issue gains urgency as South Korean athletes and journalists prepare to interact with the North Korean team at various venues.
North Korea is fielding approximately 180 athletes across 14 sports, ranging from football to wrestling. Among them, the women's football team aims for gold as the Games commence on Monday. The crux of the matter lies in the terminology to employ. One can easily envision a North Korean athlete abruptly turning away upon hearing the South Korean journalist utter the words "North Korea" or "an athlete from the North."
The language choice has emerged as a particularly contentious topic at global sporting events, intensifying in the wake of shifting geopolitical dynamics.
Written by urgent.news from The Korea Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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