North, South Korea Draw 1-1 in Tense Asian Games Women’s Football Clash

North and South Korea played out a 1-1 draw in a tense women’s football clash at the Asian Games on Monday, with the neighbours maintaining their rivalry on the pitch despite their unresolved political relationship.

Just over 2,000 spectators watched the group-stage match at the 50,000-capacity stadium in Shizuoka, a venue that hosted matches during the 2002 FIFA World Cup co-hosted by Japan and South Korea.

North Korea took the lead in the first half when Chae Un Yong finished from close range. The team has enjoyed considerable success in women’s youth football in recent years and looked set to hold on to its advantage.

South Korea responded after the break, with Yun Su-jeong producing a composed finish to level the contest.

The match was physical, with 27 fouls recorded and four yellow cards issued. South Korea received three bookings, while North Korea had one, with the first yellow card coming less than 30 seconds into the game.

At the final whistle, the players exchanged brief high-fives but did not speak to one another. The two countries technically remain at war because the 1950-53 Korean War ended with an armistice rather than a formal peace treaty.

South Korea coach Shin Sang-woo said his players were nervous because it was their first meeting with North Korea. He said the political situation did not affect his team’s focus on securing results on the football field.

“The leaders of (North Korea) made no handshakes. That was the practice for a long time,” Shin said when asked whether he had shaken hands with North Korea coach Pak Song Jin.

“In this football game we just need to achieve results. The political situation does not matter.”

Both teams advanced to the quarter-finals, with South Korea set to face Uzbekistan. Asked whether the fixture carried any special significance, Pak played down the wider context, saying: “There’s nothing special. It’s just within the framework of football.”