'We used to talk like sisters': Ji So-yun reflects on changed ties with NK players
Ji So-yun of Suwon FC Women, who is entering her 20th year as a member of South Korea's national team, expressed regret over the complete lack of communication with North Korean women's national team players, despite the two teams staying at the same hotel. "When I played at my first Asian Games in Doha in 2006, the North Korean players were like older sisters to me because I was the youngest. We…
Ji So-yun, a veteran member of South Korea's national football team, has reflected on the shift in relations between the South Korean and North Korean women's national teams. Despite sharing a common language, the two teams have seen a significant change in their interactions, particularly during the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games in Osaka.
Ji, now 35 years old, has expressed regret over the lack of communication between the teams, even though they used to stay at the same hotel and often dined together. When Ji played in her first Asian Games in 2006, the North Korean players were like older sisters to her, as she was the youngest, and they forged close bonds through frequent conversations.
However, in recent years, the North Korean players have become more formal and unresponsive, even when Ji extends greetings first. This change in demeanor has been particularly evident at this year's Games, as the two teams are now sharing hotel accommodations. Despite hearing the North Korean players speaking during their meals, Ji lamented the deterioration of the once close ties between the two national teams.
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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