South Korean president urges Trump dialogue with Pyongyang

NAGOYA, Japan (AP) — During a men's field hockey match against Bangladesh at the Asian Games, South Korean players were caught off guard when the North Korean national anthem was played instead of their own anthem. The confusion led to uncertainty among the South Korean athletes, some of whom stood at attention, ran their hands through their hair, or placed their right hand over their heart.

Organizers swiftly rectified the situation and played the correct South Korean anthem. The Asian Games commenced officially the following day. South Korea's Yonhap news agency described the incident as an "awkward mishap." The players, standing with their hands over their hearts in front of the South Korean flag, exhibited clear bewilderment.

The situation was hastily addressed, with the organizing committee playing Bangladesh's national anthem first before playing South Korea's, despite the lack of time before the scheduled match start. This oversight forced the South Korean athletes to greet their opponents while the South Korean anthem played, preventing them from fully singing their national anthem.

Field hockey matches at the Asian Games often begin before the official opening to accommodate the extensive schedule, involving over 11,000 athletes, a number surpassing that of the Summer Olympics.