In a startling protocol blunder at the Asian Games 2026, the national anthem of North Korea was mistakenly played ahead of South Korea's men's hockey match against Bangladesh on Friday, 18 September, at the Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium in Gifu, Japan. The Korean Sport & Olympic Committee has since lodged a formal complaint with the organising committee, demanding an official apology and assurances against any recurrence.

What Happened on the Field

The incident visibly rattled the South Korean players, with several seen running their hands through their hair in visible discomfort as the wrong anthem played. The stadium in Gifu — located approximately 30 kilometres from Nagoya — fell into a moment of confusion before organisers intervened. The correct South Korean anthem was eventually played after Bangladesh's national anthem, but not before the schedule was disrupted. Reports indicate the match was delayed, with the referee instructing players to shake hands and prepare to play even before the anthem had finished.

Official Complaint and Demand for Apology

According to reports, the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee stated it had 'lodged an official complaint with the organising committee over the anthem mix-up, demanding an official apology and prevention of a recurrence.' The incident is being viewed as a serious organisational lapse at a flagship continental multi-sport event. Anthem mix-ups at international competitions have historically drawn significant diplomatic sensitivity, particularly given the fraught relations between North Korea and South Korea.

South Korea Wins 5-0 Despite the Chaos

On the pitch, South Korea brushed aside the controversy to record a commanding 5-0 victory over Bangladesh in the Pool A clash. Goals were scored by Sim Jae-won, Lee Gang-san, Oh Se-yong, Bae Soung-min, and Yang Ji-hun, one each. The result was clinical, if not entirely stress-free in spirit. South Korea are the 2023 Asian Games bronze medallists and came into the fixture treating Bangladesh with measured respect. 'We saw Bangladesh as a dark horse. We wanted to lock things down defensively in the first quarter,' South Korea head coach Min Tae-seok said. 'And then we wanted to be more aggressive in the second quarter. And our players scored those goals after making their adjustments to the venue.'

Coach Reacts to Anthem Incident

Head coach Min Tae-seok did not hold back on the anthem mishap: 'I can't believe something like this happened at an international competition,' he said. The remarks underscore the seriousness with which the South Korean delegation is treating the error — one that goes beyond a mere logistical oversight at a geopolitically sensitive stage.

Pool A Standings and What Comes Next

South Korea and Bangladesh are placed in Pool A alongside India (defending gold medallists), Japan (hosts and 2023 silver medallists), Sri Lanka, and Indonesia. In another Pool A result on Friday, South Korea's women's team also opened their campaign with a 3-1 victory over Chinese Taipei. With the men's and women's teams both winning their openers, South Korea's hockey contingent will look to maintain momentum — with the hope that the organisers ensure no further ceremonial lapses.