While North Korea recorded and broadcast the Qatar 2022 World Cup matches, residents were reported to have expressed considerable disappointment, with the exception of matches between South Korea, the United States, and Japan, which are considered ‘hostile countries’.
A source from North Pyongan Province told Daily NK on the 2nd, “Residents of Sinuiju show sorrow while watching the World Cup match. South Korea) Heung-Min Son is no longer able to watch the match.”
According to the source, North Koreans had high expectations of how Son Heung-min would perform in this World Cup. Residents who especially love football say they have been waiting for the broadcast of Korea’s group stage game in which Son Heung-min will appear.
However, Chosun Central TV reportedly did not broadcast the Korean game, and residents expressed their dismay. The source said residents who were unable to watch the match in Korea due to the so-called ‘hostile country match ban’ measures were contacting the outside world to ask how the match was and who scored a goal.
In fact, residents of the border region between North Korea and China use Chinese mobile phones, which North Korea illegally regulates, to quickly access news from inside Korea as well as news outside of Korea. associated with the World Cup.
Through this, it is known that residents have even heard the news that not only Son Heung-min, but also many talented Korean players who are active on the international stage will participate in the World Cup.
However, when North Korea recorded and broadcast matches only in other countries, except for South Korea, the United States, and Japan, residents said they could not hide their disappointment, saying, “Football has no ideology, and I don’t know why. “
In the midst of this, it was reported that the results of the South Korea vs. Uruguay and Korea vs. Ghana group league matches held on the 24th and 28th were transmitted to North Korea through residents who contacted the outside world.
It is said that North Korea could not hide their sadness after hearing the news that South Korea recorded a draw with Uruguay and lost in the game against Ghana.
In particular, the residents mentioned Son Heung-min, who overcame an orbital fracture and participated in the World Cup, saying, “I heard that South Korea lost, so it seems that Son Heung-min has a serious injury” and “It’s amazing that he played even though he was in bad shape.” , “South Korea is also like us (North Korea),” the source said.
Korea will play its last group game against Portugal at 0:00 on the 3rd. Regarding this, North Korea is currently predicting that South Korea will advance to the round of 16, saying, ‘If you look at the level of South Korean football, it will rise to the round of 16 at least.’
The source said, “Residents are very curious about the outcome of the upcoming games in South Korea.” There is,” he said.
