Story perspectives

Naegohyang Wins AFC Women’s Title, First North Korean Champions

5/23/2026

Summary

Naegohyang Wins

Naegohyang Women’s Football Club beat Tokyo Verdy Beleza 1-0 in the AFC Women’s Champions League final on May 23, 2026 in Suwon.
Captain Kim Kyong-yong scored the opening goal before halftime.
The victory earned Naegohyang $1 million and runner-up Tokyo Verdy $500,000.
It was the first North Korean women’s club to play in South Korea in 12 years and the first to win the tournament, with 2,670 spectators present.

Summary

NGOs Cheer

NGOs in South Korea formed a cheering section that shouted “Naegohyang” for both sides despite tensions.
The Unification Ministry funded the fan group for the final, which drew public criticism.
North Korean star players receive luxury cars, apartments and Workers’ Party membership as rewards.
The Pyongyang International Football School, opened in 2013, trains elite youth for national teams.

Summary

Minister Boosts Unity

The final will decide Asia’s slot in the 2027 FIFA Women’s Champions Cup and is seen as diplomatically significant after North Korea removed peaceful reunification language from its constitution.
Unification Minister Chung Dong-young said the Suwon game could set a positive precedent for rebuilding inter-Korean trust after eight years of silence.
Seoul’s Unification Ministry allocated about $200,000 to fund South Korean civic groups that run cheering squads for both clubs.

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Naegohyang Wins

Naegohyang Women’s Football Club beat Tokyo Verdy Beleza 1-0 in the AFC Women’s Champions League final on May 23, 2026 in Suwon.
Captain Kim Kyong-yong scored the opening goal before halftime.
The victory earned Naegohyang $1 million and runner-up Tokyo Verdy $500,000.
It was the first North Korean women’s club to play in South Korea in 12 years and the first to win the tournament, with 2,670 spectators present.

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