Two North Korean members of a large delegation attending the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games are reportedly seeking asylum in Japan. Multiple outlets, citing a report, say the individuals have communicated an intention not to return to North Korea and have indicated a preference for asylum in Japan rather than South Korea.
Context for the claims is the Asian Games’ start in Japan, with the North Korean delegation present among the participants. The Japan Times report, citing a Japanese official, says the two individuals are part of a broader delegation of about 180 members attending the games that begin Saturday. Free Malaysia Today attributes the development to a South Korean publication, which in turn reports that the two expressed their preference for Japan. The outlets do not present additional details on how the asylum request is being handled or the identities of the individuals.
