2 North Koreans in Japan for Asian Games reportedly seeking asylum
Their identities and positions held remain unclear.
Two North Korean representatives attending the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, are rumored to be seeking asylum in the country, according to reports from Reuters and Chosun. These individuals were part of the 180-strong North Korean delegation, comprising athletes and officials, sent to the 2026 Asian Games. The identities and ranks of the two suspected defectors remain undisclosed.
Informants from Japan's Cabinet Intelligence and Research Office suggest that the North Koreans have no intention of returning to their homeland. They reportedly desire to defect to Japan rather than South Korea and are actively investigating this course of action. The details of this story were gleaned from a source affiliated with Japan's intelligence community and the pro-Pyongyang General Association of Korean Residents in Japan, known as Chongryon.
This is the first substantial North Korean delegation to visit Japan in 41 years, following the 1985 Kobe Summer Universiade. Despite stringent sanctions on North Korea, Japanese authorities granted an exception to permit the delegation's entry into the country for the Asian Games.
Written by urgent.news from Mothership's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
Also reported by 3 other outlets
- Clement erases Hangzhou disappointment with Asian Games bronze nst.com.my
- Hesson backs young Pakistan side for Asian Games dailytimes.com.pk
- Asian Games organizers apologize for playing North Korean anthem at South Korea match tokyoreporter.com
