By Matt Krasnoff

While Bollywood continues to thrive in India, there are some serious actors even further west.

I’m talking about actors from China of course. Didn’t you hear? A large group of Chinese actors are taking part in the biggest role of their careers.

The World Cup.

North Korea took on powerhouse Brazil in the opening round of group play last week. Kim Jong-Il — the de facto head of state in North Korea — supposedly “hand picked” fans to leave the country that still maintains signs of communism.

It was a tad fishy, since North Koreans are restricted from leaving the country.

Word got out about the Chinese citizens acting as North Korean fans. No one seemed too surprised, since Kim is also speaking directly to North Korea’s coach during match play to discuss strategy.

And let’s not forget that he claimed to shoot a remarkable 38-under-part in his first time on a golf course. Five hole-in-ones, but who’s counting?

If the story isn’t weird enough yet, it gets even stranger.

Four players simply did not show up to the team’s opening match. Against Brazil, North Korea handed in a squad list with only 19 names, as opposed to the normal 23. Speculation arose that the players were missing, but that was soon quieted when all four showed up to practice the next day as if nothing had happened.

The team is staying in a remote hotel in northern Johannesburg that is guarded like a fortress. They have remained out of the public eye, only leaving the hotel for games and training sessions — which are not open to the media or public.

But North Korea plans to use the enigma label to their advantage. In a game where studying your opponent is one of the best methods of preparation, the North Koreans feel that their unpredictability and surprise tactics could help them open a few eyes.

It will always be difficult for outsiders to comprehend the complexities of North Korea and the way they go about their business. They are the most unique country in the entire world, with a government that most of the planet frowns upon.

Take it as you will, but this team came with something to prove. Not to mention the Oscar nomination that was given out to one of their “diehard” fans.