Suwon: A North Korean women's football club is set to make an appearance on South Korean soil for the first time, as Naegohyang Women's FC prepares to face Suwon FC Women in the semifinals of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Women's Champions League. The Korea Football Association (KFA) announced that the match will take place at Suwon Stadium at 7 p.m. on May 20, marking a significant event in regional sports relations.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Naegohyang Women's FC will bring a delegation of 27 players and 12 staff members. They are scheduled to arrive at Incheon International Airport via Beijing on May 17. The team is sponsored by the Naegohyang manufacturing company and previously defeated Suwon FC Women 3-0 during their group-stage meeting in Myanmar on November 12.

The AFC Women's Champions League, now in its second edition, is Asia's premier women's club tournament. This event marks Naegohyang's debut in the competition, as North Korea did not participate in the inaugural edition. The tournament will also feature a semifinal match between Melbourne City FC of Australia and Nippon TV Tokyo Verdy Beleza of Japan at 2 p.m. on May 20, also at Suwon Stadium.

Naegohyang Women's FC has already made strides in the tournament, finishing second in Group C and defeating Ho Chi Minh City Women's FC 3-0 in the quarterfinals, opting for a neutral venue in Laos instead of hosting the match. Several players from Naegohyang contributed to North Korea's victories at the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup and the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup.

The championship final is scheduled for 2 p.m. on May 23 at Suwon Stadium. A press conference for the four semifinalists will be held in Suwon on the eve of their matches, offering insights and updates ahead of the significant games.