The South Korean men’s field hockey team were the victims of a horrifying mix-up at the Asian Games before their match against Bangladesh.
Before the game at the Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium in Kakamigahara, Japan, the two teams lined up on the field for national anthems.
But the South Korean players were left stunned when the PA system in the stadium began playing the North Korean national anthem instead.
The athletes were visibly stunned, unsure how to respond. While some held their hands over their hearts, others were seen in visible disbelief.
Organizers quickly recognized their mistake and corrected it, stopping the song and playing the correct anthem.
The public address announcer then said: ‘We are really sorry, terribly sorry. National anthem for the Republic of Korea, we played a different song. I’m really sorry.’
South Korea field hockey athletes were visibly stunned when the North Korean anthem played before their Asian Games matchup against Bangladesh
Organizers apologized before stopping and playing the correct anthem instead
Following the error, the Bangladesh anthem was played first. Then, the correct South Korean anthem followed.
After the issue was resolved, South Korea went on to dominate Bangladesh 5-0 just before the Asian Games officially were opened.
According to South Korea’s Yonhap news agency, the situation was deemed an ‘awkward mishap’ and said the team was stunned by what transpired.
‘Standing with their hands over their hearts in front of the unfurled South Korean flag, the South Korean players could not hide their bewilderment,’ the agency said.
The report continued: ‘Belatedly realizing the mistake, the organizing committee played Bangladesh’s national anthem first before playing South Korea’s.
‘However, pressed for time ahead of the scheduled match start, the referee instructed players to exchange greetings while the South Korean anthem was still playing, forcing South Korean athletes to start the match without being able to sing the anthem.’
Due to the Korean War, the North Korean anthem is banned in South Korea.
The Asian Games began on Thursday, September 10 due to a packed competition schedule. Fifty-nine events will take place leading up to the closing ceremonies on October 4.
