Two members of North Korea’s delegation to the ​Asian Games in Japan are ‌looking to seek asylum, South Korea’s ​Monthly Chosun magazine reported ⁠on Tuesday (September 22, 2026).

Citing a source it identified as an official from Japan’s Cabinet ‌Intelligence and Research Office, the magazine said the two were ‌among a 180-member North ‌Korean ⁠delegation attending the Aichi-Nagoya Asian ⁠Games, which opened on Saturday (September 19).

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The two North Koreans expressed a preference to seek ​asylum in Japan ‌rather than South Korea and have communicated their intention not to return home, the report said.

Their ‌identities and positions within the ​delegation were not disclosed, and it remained unclear whether ⁠their reported outreach would ultimately lead to a defection, according to ‌Monthly Chosun.

The magazine said the information was obtained through a source connected to Japan’s intelligence apparatus and linked to the pro-Pyongyang General Association of Korean Residents in ‌Japan, known as Chongryon.

North Korea sent ​about 180 athletes and officials to the Games, including Sports ⁠Minister Kim Il-guk, according to media ⁠reports.

Reuters could not immediately reach the Japanese government for ‌comment on a national holiday in Japan.