North Korea has decided to participate in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Women’s Champions League (AWCL) held in South Korea, despite the deteriorating inter-Korean relations. Analysts believe this decision is driven more by a desire to achieve success in international competitions rather than considering potential dialogue with South Korea or the current political climate.
The Ministry of Unification and football officials reported on Monday that North Korea’s women’s football club, Naegohyang Women’s Football Team, will compete in the AWCL semifinals on May 20 in Suwon. The team is set to arrive on May 17 and face Suwon FC Women at 7:00 p.m. (Korean time) on May 20 at Suwon Sports Complex. If victorious, they’ll advance to the final on May 23 at 2:00 p.m. (Korean time) before departing on May 24.
North Korea’s Focus Appears on Securing International Success and Improving Their Global Image, Rather Than Pursuing Dialogue
After the semifinal matchups were announced, some speculated that North Korea might withdraw from the tournament, given their stance since 2023 that relations with South Korea are those of hostile nations. Participating in an event in South Korea and facing South Korean teams could invite various political interpretations and attempts at engagement from the South Korean government, which North Korea might prefer to avoid.
However, it seems North Korea ultimately decided to participate after careful consideration. This decision likely reflects their belief that the North Korean women’s football team, which has proven competitive internationally, could achieve another significant success.
The Naegohyang team, founded in 2012, has already demonstrated its competitiveness. Led by Ri Yu-il, a former coach of the North Korean women’s national team, and based in Pyongyang, the team emerged as a rising power by clinching the North Korean first division league title in the 2021-22 season, surpassing the traditionally dominant 4.25 Sports Team.
Many players on the team are national representatives who recently won the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) U-17 and U-20 Women’s World Cups. In November, Naegohyang convincingly defeated Suwon FC Women 3-0 in the group stage qualifiers.
Kim Jong Un has prioritized developing North Korea into a sports powerhouse since taking power, showing particular enthusiasm for athletics. Analysts believe this decision reflects North Korea’s unique policy approach, which views sports achievements as directly linked to regime promotion.
North Korea recently made headlines by giving a hero’s welcome to the players who won the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup. Upon their return, Yun Jeong-ho, the Minister of Foreign Economy and Football Association chairman, greeted them at the airport with flowers and participated in a victory parade in Pyongyang, where citizens turned out in force to celebrate.
During that time, Kim invited the national team to the Workers’ Party headquarters, praising their victory as an inspiring event that brings optimism and joy to the entire country and a patriotic achievement. He added that the success the athletes achieve in international competitions further unites the people and propels them forward in their struggle.
North Korea appears to use these international sporting successes to strengthen national unity and showcase its power, viewing it as a tool for governance. Some speculate that their decision to participate normally in this tournament is also aimed at enhancing their image in the international community.
The decision to participate was likely influenced by the potential penalties and sanctions for non-participation. AFC regulations state that teams withdrawing without valid reason during the tournament face fines and possible suspension from international competitions.
AFC rules mandate a minimum fine of 100,000 USD for clubs withdrawing during the tournament stage. Additional penalties may be imposed based on costs incurred during tournament preparations. The regulations also allow for referral to the AFC Disciplinary and Ethics Committee, potentially resulting in further sanctions.
Analysts suggest that North Korea’s decision reflects a practical choice focused on the benefits of international sports participation rather than inter-Korean relations. North Korea previously faced consequences for missing the 2020 Tokyo Olympics (held in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic), resulting in an 18-month suspension from the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Kim Jong-won, a researcher at the National Security Strategy Institute’s North Korea Research Division, stated that while Naegohyang is officially a club team, most players are national representatives, effectively representing the country. They likely decided to participate because success in women’s football can significantly enhance North Korea’s stature both domestically and internationally.
Kim noted that while North Korea’s stance of two hostile nations appears unchanged following the recent Supreme People’s Assembly meeting in March, their decision to participate in this match suggests some nuance. While it may not signal readiness for dialogue with South Korea, it could indicate a slight opening in inter-Korean relations as the regime focuses on national interests, possibly with an eye toward future U.S.-North Korea talks.
