Women’s football has always been a fascinating aspect of the beautiful game, with its own unique stories of triumph and heartache. However, few countries have captivated the imagination of fans quite like North Korea. The isolated nation has long been known for its impressive performances on the pitch, but behind the scenes, there lies a complex web of politics, propaganda, and personal struggle.
It’s been over a decade since the United States women’s national team last faced off against their North Korean counterparts. The 2007 Women’s World Cup match is still remembered vividly by many, including Heather O’Reilly, who scored the equalizing goal in a thrilling 2-2 draw. “Normally when there are 30 shots in the game, it is the United States with about 25 of ’em. Not today!” exclaimed the ESPN commentator that day.
But what struck O’Reilly most was the attitude of the North Korean players after the final whistle blew. “I remember North Korea seeming disappointed,” she recalls. “Their body language seemed to say ‘oh my gosh, we were so close to taking down the giant’.” It was a telling moment, one that spoke to the pride and determination of a team that had been built on the principles of hard work and dedication.
The Rise of North Korean Women’s Football
North Korea’s success in women’s football is a remarkable story, one that is deeply intertwined with the country’s unique politics and culture. According to Austrian filmmaker Brigitte Weich, who spent five years following the North Korean team for her documentary Hana, dul, sed., the country’s focus on women’s football can be attributed to the leadership of Kim Jong-il, the former Supreme Leader of North Korea.
“The players constantly said to us that the Dear Leader Kim Jong-il personally supported women’s football,” Weich explains. “Of course, they refer everything directly to the leader and nothing happens without him guiding, supporting or wanting it. But it is a very hierarchical and totalitarian dictatorship and I think that is kind of true.”
Weich’s documentary provides a rare glimpse into the inner workings of the North Korean team, revealing a system that is both rigorous and efficient. Young girls are identified and groomed for success from an early age, with the best players being sent to a central school of excellence where they can train and develop full-time at the state’s expense.
Life as a North Korean Footballer
But what is life like for a North Korean footballer? Weich’s documentary offers a fascinating insight into the daily routines of the players, who are torn between their love of the game and their duty to the state.
“The game is a way to show loyalty to the leader and the nation,” Weich explains. “The players are not thinking about money or personal gain; they are thinking about the pride of the nation. They are born and bred to serve the nation, and football is just one way to do that.”
For many North Korean footballers, the game is a way out of poverty and into a better life. Players who are selected for the national team are rewarded with apartments in Pyongyang and permission to bring their families to the city. It is a rare privilege in a country where freedom of movement is strictly limited.
Training Regimes and Doping Scandals
But the North Korean team’s success has not been without controversy. In 2011, five players tested positive for a rare kind of steroid, leading to a four-year ban from international competition. The team’s explanation – that the positive tests were caused by a traditional medicine made from the glands of a musk deer – was met with skepticism by many.
Despite the controversy, the North Korean team has continued to perform strongly, winning silver at the 2022 Asian Games and narrowly missing out on a place at the 2024 Olympics. But as the country continues to struggle with poverty and isolation, it remains to be seen whether the women’s football team can continue to thrive.
The Future of North Korean Women’s Football
As North Korea begins to re-engage with the international community, the future of the women’s football team is uncertain. Will the country’s focus on women’s football continue, or will it be sacrificed in favor of more “essential” needs?
One thing is clear: the North Korean women’s football team has a unique place in the history of the sport. Their story is one of pride, determination, and resilience in the face of adversity, and it continues to inspire fans around the world.
North Korea’s Impact on the Global Game
Despite their isolation, the North Korean women’s football team has had a significant impact on the global game. Their success has inspired a new generation of players and coaches, and their unique approach to the sport has been studied and emulated by teams around the world.
As the women’s game continues to grow and evolve, the legacy of the North Korean team will be remembered as a testament to the power of football to bring people together and transcend borders.
And for Heather O’Reilly, who faced off against the North Korean team all those years ago, the memory of that match continues to inspire her. “It’s a moment that I’ll always remember,” she says. “It’s a reminder of the power of football to bring people together and create lasting memories.”