When the North Korean men’s soccer team took the field for two 2026 World Cup qualifying matches this month, close observers noticed an important roster change.
Han Kwang-song, a high-profile striker, was back, more than three years after vanishing from public view for reasons beyond his control: United Nations-imposed sanctions on North Korean nationals over Pyongyang’s nuclear program.
Mr. Han’s story is a rare case of North Korea sanctions reverberating through professional soccer.
It also shows how enforcement of U.N. sanctions against individuals varies by country.
The government in Italy did not deport Mr. Han, now 25, while he was playing professional soccer there.
Persons:
Han Kwang, Han
Organizations:
United Nations, North
Locations:
Korean, North Korea, Italy, Qatar, Qatari