North Korea’s anthem plays during South Korea’s field hockey match at Asian Games 2026

After realising their mistake, organizers quickly corrected the problem and played the correct anthem. | Photo Credit: AFP

In what can only be described as an embarassing blunder, organisers at the Asian Games 2026 played North Korea’s national anthem ahead of South Korea’s men’s field hockey game against Bangladesh on Friday.

Videos going viral on social media show the South Korean players looking on, almost awkwardly, unsure how to react to the situation.

Some of them continued to stand at attention, some ran their hands through their hair, while some players left their right hand over their heart as the music played out.

After realising their mistake, organizers quickly corrected the problem and played the correct anthem. Despite the sour start to proceedings, South Korea had reason to celebrate later as it won its match 5-0.