Abroad
2 North Koreans in Japan for Asian Games reportedly seeking asylum
Their identities and positions held remain unclear.
September 23, 2026, 02:55 PM
Photo from Yonhap
Two members of North Korea's delegation to the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya are reportedly looking to seek asylum in Japan.
They were apparently part of the 180-member North Korean delegation, which included athletes and officials, sent to the 2026 Asian Games, Reuters and Chosun reported.
Their identities and positions held among the delegation remain unclear.
Citing an official from Japan's Cabinet Intelligence and Research Office, the two individuals apparently indicated they did not intend to return to North Korea.
They reportedly wanted to defect to Japan and not South Korea, and are currently exploring that possibility.
The information reportedly came from a source connected to Japan's intelligence apparatus.
It is reportedly linked to the pro-Pyongyang General Association of Korean Residents in Japan, known as Chongryon.
This year’s iteration of the Asian Games marks North Korea’s first large-scale visit to Japan in 41 years since the 1985 Kobe Summer Universiade.
Due to sanctions against North Korea, North Korean nationals' entry into Japan is typically restricted.
However, the Japanese government granted an exemption to allow entry to participate in the Asian Games.
