Two North Korean delegation members reported seeking asylum in Japan at Asian Games

Two members of North Korea's delegation to the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games in Japan are seeking asylum, Monthly Chosun reported on Tuesday (September 22, 2026). The report said the developments occurred during the Games, which opened on Saturday (September 19).

Monthly Chosun cited a source it identified as an official from Japan's Cabinet Intelligence and Research Office for the account. The magazine published its report on Tuesday (September 22, 2026), during the early days of the Aichi-Nagoya Games.

The two North Koreans expressed a preference to seek asylum in Japan rather than South Korea and have communicated their intention not to return home, the report said. Their identities and positions within the delegation were not disclosed, and it remained unclear whether their reported outreach would ultimately lead to a defection, according to Monthly Chosun.

The magazine said it obtained the information through a source connected to Japan's intelligence apparatus and linked to the pro-Pyongyang General Association of Korean Residents in Japan, known as Chongryon. Monthly Chosun attributed the sourcing to those contacts in its report.

North Korea sent about 180 athletes and officials to the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, including Sports Minister Kim Il-guk, according to media reports. The two individuals were reported to be members of that delegation.

Reuters could not immediately reach the Japanese government for comment on a national holiday in Japan. The news wire noted it was unable to obtain an official response at the time of publication.

The Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games opened on Saturday (September 19) and Monthly Chosun published its account of the asylum report on Tuesday (September 22, 2026).