Two members of North Korea’s delegation to the Asian Games have reportedly sought asylum in Japan, according to a recent report by South Korea’s Monthly Chosun magazine. The delegation, led by North Korean Sports Minister Kim Il Guk, arrived in Japan on September 17 to participate in the event, marking the first ministerial-level visit from Pyongyang in eight years. Kim traveled in his official capacity as head of North Korea’s Olympic Committee and was greeted by members of the General Association of Korean Residents in Japan, known as Chongryon, a pro-Pyongyang organization with ties to the North Korean government. According to the report, at least two individuals—believed to be among the athletes, coaches, staff, or officials in the 180-member delegation—have expressed a desire to seek asylum in Japan rather than return to North Korea or South Korea. The individuals reportedly told authorities they do not intend to go back home. The Monthly Chosun article cited an unnamed source from Japan’s Cabinet Intelligence and Research Office, suggesting the information was obtained through a connection to Chongryon. However, the identities and specific roles of the individuals were not disclosed. It remains unclear whether their reported intentions will result in actual asylum being granted. Tensions between North Korea and Japan have remained high, driven by issues such as Pyongyang’s nuclear and missile programs, its history of abducting Japanese citizens, and the legacy of Japan’s colonial rule over the Korean Peninsula. While Japan generally prohibits North Korean nationals from entering the country due to sanctions, exceptions have been made to allow athletes to compete in international sporting events. This is not the first time North Koreans have sought asylum in Japan. In 1983, a North Korean soldier reportedly stowed away on a Japanese ship and was granted political asylum in 1988 after five years in Japan. The strained relations between the two countries also affected the Asian Games. During a hockey match between South Korea and Bangladesh, North Korea’s national anthem was accidentally played before the game, prompting a formal complaint from South Korean officials. They stated they planned to protest the incident to the organizing committee, highlighting how political tensions can impact even international sporting events.