North Korea's Dominance in Girls' Soccer: A Propaganda Victory

North Korea's girls' soccer team has achieved significant success on the international stage, winning the 17-and-under FIFA competition a record four times. Their latest victory came in November, when they defeated the Netherlands 3-0 in the youth women’s World Cup final. This achievement is not only a sporting triumph but also a strategic move by the Kim regime to bolster national pride and showcase resilience against international sanctions.

Inside North Korea’s obsession with dominating girls soccer

Under Kim Jong Un's leadership, sports have become a vital platform for the North Korean government to project strength and unity. The regime has focused on youth women's soccer, alongside other sports like weightlifting and table tennis, as a means to achieve international recognition. This focus stems from the belief that other nations do not subject young girls to the same rigorous training, allowing North Korea to excel in these competitions.

Inside North Korea’s obsession with dominating girls soccer

Star player Yu Jong Hyang has emerged as a prominent figure, scoring eight goals in the recent tournament. Her comments reflect the regime's narrative, emphasizing teamwork over individual achievement. The players are seen as role models, with the government portraying their victories as emblematic of North Korean socialism. Kim Jong Un personally met the championship team, praising them for their contributions to the state.

Inside North Korea’s obsession with dominating girls soccer

Despite their success, North Korean athletes face significant challenges. Nearly half of the population is undernourished, limiting the pool of potential players. Training is intense, with coaches instilling a militaristic mindset, equating soccer with warfare. Former player Jeong Haneul described the pressure to perform as a matter of national pride, where winning is seen as a direct reflection of loyalty to the regime.

Inside North Korea’s obsession with dominating girls soccer

The success of North Korea's girls' soccer team serves multiple purposes for the regime. It provides a rare opportunity for propaganda victories, elevating the social status of the players and their families. Victorious athletes receive perks such as extra food rations and housing in Pyongyang. The stakes for these young athletes are high, as their performance can significantly impact their families' lives.

Inside North Korea’s obsession with dominating girls soccer

While the girls' soccer team has thrived, North Korea's men's teams have not achieved similar success, and the senior women's squad has not participated in a World Cup since 2011. The physical advantages of the young players may diminish as they age, especially as professional leagues develop globally. Furthermore, international sanctions prevent these athletes from joining foreign leagues, limiting their growth and exposure.

Inside North Korea’s obsession with dominating girls soccer

• “I don’t think we could have beaten them,” — Netherlands Coach

Wall Street Journal

• “Their obsession with winning was on another level.” — Yoon Duk-yeo, Former South Korean Women’s National Team Manager

Inside North Korea’s obsession with dominating girls soccer

• “The regime is trying to turn these girls into role models,” — Lee Jung Woo, University of Edinburgh

Inside North Korea’s obsession with dominating girls soccer

• “What’s most important is when they win a gold medal they get to meet the leader,” — Brigitte Weich, Austrian Filmmaker

Inside North Korea’s obsession with dominating girls soccer

North Korea's focus on girls' soccer illustrates the regime's strategic use of sports for nationalistic purposes, showcasing both the potential and limitations of its athletic programs.

Inside North Korea’s obsession with dominating girls soccer