North Korean anthem played by mistake for South Korean hockey team

Organisers at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan played the wrong national anthem before a South Korean men's field hockey match on September 18. The team was preparing to play Bangladesh in Kakamigahara, Gifu prefecture, when North Korea's anthem came through the speakers instead. South Korean players looked confused as the music played. Officials then played Bangladesh's anthem, followed by the correct South Korean anthem. Because time was short, the referee told players to start the match before South Korea's anthem had finished. South Korea won the game 5-0. The organising committee apologised for the mistake. South Korean team officials and the coach said the error was a serious problem. The Games have already faced other difficulties, including issues with accommodation and airport delays.