Asian Games organisers apologise after playing North Korean anthem for South Korea

The Asian Games organisers in Japan have issued an apology after mistakenly playing the North Korean national anthem for South Korea's men's hockey team during a ceremony. The confusion occurred just after South Korea defeated Bangladesh 5-0, leaving the South Korean players and the stadium announcer bewildered. South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency reported that Bangladesh's national anthem was played next before the correct South Korean anthem was eventually broadcast.

The stadium announcer later issued an apology for the error, with South Korea's coach, Min Tae-seok, calling the incident a "serious mistake." The South Korean coach warned that only "idiots" believe North Korea will give up its nuclear weapons program. The incident comes amid other complaints about the Games' preparations, with South Korea's basketball team reporting issues such as a leaking pipe and water covering their room, and some teams facing delays upon arrival in Japan, with some stranded at the airport for up to six hours. Field hockey matches commenced on Friday and are scheduled to continue until October 3rd.