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Saturday, 3 October 2026

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Two North Korean Athletes Seek Asylum in Japan During Asian Games

Two North Koreans from the Asian Games delegation have reportedly expressed a desire to seek asylum in Japan instead of South Korea, according to media reports.

Archive photo: Two North Korean Athletes Seek Asylum in Japan During Asian Games
Archive photoPhoto: Republic of Korea Flickr from Seoul, Republic of Korea / Korea.net · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0

According to reports, two athletes from North Korea's delegation at the Asian Games have indicated their wish to seek asylum in Japan. The information was first reported by Monthly Chosun, which stated that the athletes prefer Japan over South Korea for this purpose.

The North Korean delegation at the Asian Games is led by the country's sports minister, Kim Il Guk. This delegation’s presence at the event has been part of North Korea's broader participation in international sports competitions.

While details surrounding the asylum request remain unclear, this situation follows a long-standing pattern of North Koreans seeking refuge in countries where they can find better prospects for their future. Seeking asylum is a significant step and raises questions about their motives and future plans.

Archive photo: Two North Korean Athletes Seek Asylum in Japan During Asian Games
Archive photoPhoto: Signal Corps Archive · Flickr · PDM

In contrast to the situation involving the North Korean athletes, the Asian Games have been marked by notable sporting achievements, including China's Yu Zidi, a 13-year-old swimmer, who has made headlines for winning multiple gold medals and breaking records during the event.

Yu Zidi’s performance at the Games has drawn significant attention, and she completed a hat-trick of golds, setting a new record in the 400m event. Her success has sparked discussions about her potential future at the Olympics.

The Asian Games continue to serve as a crucial platform for athletes from various countries, including those facing difficult situations, such as the North Koreans seeking asylum. As the Games progress, the focus remains on the various competitions and the outcomes for the athletes involved.