Former K League player Ahn Young-hak makes surprise Asian Games appearance to support NK team
Former member of the North Korean national football team Ahn Young-hak, who also played in the K League, made a rare appearance in Japan to watch and support his former teammates and younger players at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. Ahn attended the men's Group B opening match between China and North Korea on Wednesday at Wave Stadium Kariya in Kariya, Aichi Prefecture. Born in 1978 in…
Former North Korean footballer Ahn Young-hak, who played in Japan's K League, made an unexpected appearance at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games to support his former teammates and young players in Japan. The 1978-born resident of Japan attended the Group B opener between China and North Korea at Wave Stadium in Kariya, Aichi Prefecture.
Ahn, a third-generation Korean resident, played 40 times for North Korea between 2002 and 2012, scoring three goals during his international career. He made his professional debut with J.League side Albirex Niigata in 2002, later playing for Nagoya Grampus and Busan I Park. In 2006, Ahn joined K League club Busan I Park, starting his football journey in South Korea.
After a stint with Suwon Samsung Bluewings, he returned to the J.League with Omiya Ardija in 2010. Formerly a player, Ahn now dedicates his time to coaching youth soccer, having met with Xportsnews at halftime during his surprise appearance.
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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