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So there’s a football match taking place in South Korea.
But Jake, it’s not an ordinary match, is it?
No, not at all.
Because for the first time in nearly eight years,
a North Korean team is going to be here in South Korea.
And this is a women’s game, a semi-final for Asian Champions League match.
And it is very rare for North Korean team to play a South Korean team.
And I just learned that North Korea actually has a really strong women’s football team.
So we’re asking why North Korea, which is one of the world’s most reclusive countries,
managed to produce such a strong football team.
As always, I’m Mariko in Singapore and this is Asia Pacific from the BBC World Service.
Twice a week, we bring you Asia Pacific stories unpacked by those who know them best.
Every time we talk about North or South Korea, we love to go to our man in Seoul, Jake Kwon.
Welcome back.
Hey, thank you for having me.
And I also have Daisy Yoo, who’s a freelance sports reporter joining us from Seoul.
Thank you so much for coming on the pod, Daisy.
Hi, thank you for having me.
So Jake, let’s start with what this particular football match is about.