North Korea 'blurs out' player during the Club World Cup as game shown five days after it took place

Lee Kang-in's goal for Paris-Saint-Germain in their Club World Cup clash against Atletico Madrid was censored by North Korean media, according to local reports.

European champions PSG began their Club World Cup campaign with a 4-0 win over Atletico as goals from Fabian Ruiz, Vitinha, Senny Mayulu and Lee Kang-in sealed what was a convincing three points in Pasadena.

After his goal in the 97th minute, Kang-in became the first Korean footballer to score in a Club World Cup match.

The 24-year-old's effort from the penalty spot was broadcast around the world on June 15, but North Korean broadcaster Korean Central Television (KCTV) blurred Lee’s number and face during the shot as they made the footage public on June 20.

According to Korea JoongAng Daily, the broadcaster often excludes games starring South Korean footballers such as Spurs forward Son Heung-min and Wolves striker Hwang Hee-chan.

North Korea's state-run Korean Central Television blurred Lee Kang-in in its broadcast. Image credit: KCTV

"As the regime’s ruling Workers' Party dictates televised programs and contents, it appears that Pyongyang’s authorities do not want to showcase the accomplishments of South Korean athletes to its public," the report adds.

North Korea, a country ran by dictator Kim Jong Un – who succeeded his father Kim Jong Il following the latter's death in 201 – has banned its citizens from watching three Premier League clubs.

Games involving Tottenham, Wolves and Brentford are off limits due to the respective presence of South Korean players Son Heung-Min, Hwang Hee-Chan and Kim Ji-Soo.

Otherwise, matches are shown in North Korea four months after they are played, meaning games from the start of the Premier League season are only broadcast in January.

A report from The 38 North Project states that though North Korean TV is loaded with propaganda and sport is 'one of the few moments each day when state TV is not trying to send an overt or underlying message to its viewers'.

Journalist Martyn Williams said: "During coverage of the 2022 World Cup, for example, South Korea was not featured until it fell out of the tournament, and in 2023, North Korean TV graphics labeled South Korea as “puppets” during coverage of the team’s 4-1 victory in the Women’s Football tournament at the Asian Games."

"North Korea went on to lose 4-1 to Japan in the final, so perhaps that was payback by the sporting gods," he added.