Han Kwang-sung, the North Korean soccer star, returned to international play after a three-year absence, scoring in a World Cup qualifier against Myanmar. Making his debut for North Korea in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, against Syria, Han wore a white away kit adorned with the North Korean flag and the number 10 on his back. The North Korean team qualified for the World Cup for the third time, but lost their opening match 0-1.
Following the game, South Korea faced Myanmar in Yangon's Tuwenna Stadium, and Han netted a powerful header to secure a commanding win for his country. The young striker had gained fame playing for various Italian clubs before disappearing after a match for Al-Duhail in Qatar on August 21, 2020.
It was later revealed that Han returned to Rome following his expulsion from Qatar in early 2021 and stayed in a North Korean embassy until August, when the country resumed flights back to Pyongyang. The precise details of his journey back home remain unclear.
The return of the North Korean prodigy came as a surprise to football experts and fans who feared his safety and career prospects might be jeopardized due to UN sanctions against North Korea.
Cagliari U19 coach Max Canzi expressed his satisfaction with Han's return, stating, "I am really pleased with Han's return. I am excited to see his performance level after such a long absence, hoping it will help him regain his rightful place."
Nicholas Pennington, Han's former Cagliari teammate, added, "I hope he can continue shining in the spotlight and overcome his challenges to return to where he belongs."
Besides Han, players Park Kwang-yong and Choi Sung-hyuk, who represented Austrian club SKN St. Pölten and Italian side SS Arezzo, respectively, participated in North Korea's World Cup qualifiers against Syria and Myanmar. The UN sanctions forced the return of all North Korean workers abroad by the end of 2019.
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With Han's mysterious disappearance in 2020, many wondered, "Where's Han gone?" His career waned due to security council resolutions against North Korea, enacted following their sixth nuclear test in 2017. United Nations members were directed to return all working North Koreans residing in their territories, as they feared foreign funds could be diverted towards North Korea's nuclear and weapons programs.
The COVID-19 pandemic prevented Han from returning to North Korea, maintaining restrictions on border crossings.
The investigative report from CNN uncovered that Han's contract with Al-Duhail was terminated in early 2021, and he was expelled from Qatar. Contrary to reports, Han did not receive a tribunal, nor did any charges surface against him. He was, however, returned to Rome, where he spent time in an unnamed North Korean embassy.
The FIFA, AFC, and DPRK Football Association did not respond to CNN's requests for comments on Han's return to international football.
Despite the uncertainties, Han's return to North Korea's football scene has surprised both football experts and fans, alleviating fears of potential career and safety challenges.
