North Korea gives a hero’s welcome to victorious women’s soccer squad
A recap of everything in state media this week, from sports patriotism and rice transplanting to talks with Singapore
Naegohyang players receive a warm welcome at Pyongyang International Airport. | Image: KCNA (May 27, 2026)
North Korean state media hyped a series of international sporting victories as vindications of the country’s political system this week, reporting that these “patriotic offerings” brought joy to a population carrying out Ninth Party Congress goals.
The women’s soccer players took titles at the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) U-17 Women’s Asian Cup and Asian Women’s Champions League, while weightlifters posted strong results at the 2026 Asian Weightlifting Championships. DPRK outlets interpreted the wins as evidence of Pyongyang’s elevated standing on the world stage.
On the agricultural front, state media reported on
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