Kim Jong Un greeted and congratulated the Naegohyang Women's FC champions in Pyongyang on June 2, 2024 [1].
The event underscores the importance of international sporting success as a tool for national prestige in North Korea. By personally honoring the athletes, the leadership signals that athletic achievement on the global stage is a priority for the state.
The meeting took place after the team won the AFC Women’s Champions League, which is Asia's top women's club competition [2]. During the ceremony, Kim Jong Un briefly joined the champions on the pitch. The gathering included members of Naegohyang Women's FC and the national U-17 women's team [1].
Reports indicate that the players burst into tears upon meeting the leader [1]. The interaction was characterized by high emotion as the athletes were recognized for their victory in the competition held the previous month [2].
This public display of support follows the team's triumph over regional competitors. The presence of the U-17 national team suggests a focus on the long-term development of women's football within the country, a strategy to maintain a competitive edge in future international tournaments.
State media and observers said the celebratory atmosphere was present as the leader congratulated the players for their success [1], [3]. The event served as a formal acknowledgement of the team's role in elevating the country's standing in international sports.
“Kim Jong Un greeted and congratulated the Naegohyang Women's FC champions”
The high-profile nature of this meeting reflects the North Korean government's use of sports as a means of demonstrating systemic superiority and national strength. By rewarding a victory in the AFC Women’s Champions League, the regime reinforces a reward-based loyalty system where international success is directly tied to the leader's patronage.
