South Korean netizens have responded strongly to North Korean media labeling South Korea as "puppets" during the women's soccer match between North Korea and South Korea at the Hangzhou 2022 Asian Games.

North Korea's participation in the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games has drawn significant attention even before the event commenced. North Korea had been issued a suspension by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for refusing to send a team to the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. However, the suspension was lifted on December 31, 2022, thus re-establishing their eligibility to take part in international multi-sport events.

Following a hiatus of five years since the 2018 Jakarta-Palembang Asian Games, North Korea witnessed a return with a delegation of 185 athletes competing across 18 varied sports. The medal tally as of October 2 shows the North Korean delegation had already clinched 7 gold medals, 10 silver medals, and 5 bronze medals, positioning them at the 8th spot in the overall medal tally.

Throughout the competition, the standoffish behavior of the North Korean athletes became a major talking point. The North Korean contingent apparently avoided any contact with South Korean journalists and even avoided fraternizing with South Korean athletes, particularly after matches, noted for refusing group photos or even handshakes.

Further controversy was ignited when the North Korean media disseminated negative remarks targeting South Korea.

On October 2, Chosun Central TV aired footage of the women's soccer quarterfinal match between South and North Korea, which occurred on September 30. During this broadcast, the South Korean team was referred to as 'Gwae-Roe'—a derogatory term essentially translating to "puppet." This action prompts questions about North Korea's standing to articulate any demands or comments on these matters since it insisted on employing discriminatory language redolent of old war rhetoric.

This incident underscores the ongoing tense relationship between the two nations and conflicts that often spill onto international sporting platforms, jeopardizing the spirit of the game, which is rooted in unity and sportsmanship.

K-netizens commented, "They're so childish," "The fundamental nature of these people is to force their way into things," "I wonder what they called the Japanese men's soccer team," "Whatever, I no longer consider North Korea as a significant competitor," "North Koreans are so emotion-driven," "So immature," and "Gwae-Roe. Lol, so childish."