WK League News

South Korea’s U-20 side suffered a 0-5 defeat at the hands of North Korea last night to finish second place in Group B at the 2026 AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup, having already secured qualification for the knockout competition with wins over Uzbekistan and Jordan. They are set to face hosts Thailand in their quarter final match this Sunday evening.

Led by manager Park Younjeong, the South Korean side started their campaign last week with a 2-0 win over Uzbekistan. Both goals came from members of Korea University’s women’s football team, with Jin Hyerin scoring the opener late in the first half, and Jo Hyeyoung converting from the penalty spot in the second.

Jin was first on the scoresheet again in the team’s second match against Jordan, with Lee Ha-eun of Ulsan College doubling the lead before the break. Jordan’s Al Zurikat got one back for the opposition early in the second half but South Korea held them to 2-1, securing their place in the quarter finals. With North Korea also on two wins, and with a significantly better goal difference, Park Younjeong’s squad would need a win to progress as group winners.

For their part, defending champions and reigning world champions North Korea have been dominant in Group B, recording an 8-0 victory over Jordan and a 6-0 win against Uzbekistan, with a hat-trick in each match (from Kang Ryumi and Pak Oki respectively). A win against this side was always a tall order for South Korea, and in the end, it was one they could not fulfil.

Despite several saves from South Korea’s goalkeeper Kim Chaebeen, firm favourites North Korea were 3-0 up by half time, with the aforementioned Kang and Pak both adding to their goal tally for the tournament — Pak Oki is leading the race for the golden boot with her six so far. Pak Ilsim increased the gap almost immediately after half time and substitute Ho Kyong made it 5-0 shortly afterwards. The victory sees North Korea progress as group winners without having conceded any goals. They will play Australia in the quarter finals.

After a tough day at the office, the South Korean side have just a few days to recover and reset before their quarter final clash with hosts Thailand. Thailand finished second in Group A, coming from behind to beat Bangladesh 3-2 in their opening game and delivering a comfortable 4-1 victory against Vietnam before a narrow 0-1 loss against China, who proceed as group winners. Winning the quarter final is not only about progression in this tournament — it’s also about earning a ticket to the U-20 World Cup. Only the four Asian Cup semi-finalists will qualify for the tournament, set to take place in Poland this September.

South Korea face Thailand this Sunday, 12th April, at 20:00 local time (22:00 KST).