PERHAPS it was their identical red outfits or how their applause was directed by a "conductor" that suggested the North Koreans in the Ellis Park stadium in South Africa were no ordinary fans.

But today, the truth behind the "supporters" emerged when it was revealed that one group of North Koreans - none of whom knew each other in advance - had been hand-picked by Kim Jong-il's government, while another party were actually Chinese, "volunteered" to back their Communist cousins.

Fifa officials and millions of television viewers were surprised when rows of red-clad "North Koreans" took their seats, believing the harsh regime had allowed its citizens freedom to travel.

But one fan, Kim Yong Chon, 43, who said he was North Korean, told reporters his group of 300 had been carefully chosen by the North Korean government.

Although they sang their national anthem loudly, the group tended only to cheer when directed by a man who stood before them like an orchestra's conductor.

Meanwhile, another party of fans confirmed rumours they were Chinese, having obtained tickets through a Chinese sports PR agency, authorised to sell part of the North Korean allocation of 1,400 seats.

Dubbed the "fans volunteer army", they included dancers, musicians and other artists and said they were happy to don the North Korean national colours.

One Brazilian fan said: "I spoke with them. They had come from Beijing and knew nothing about football or the World Cup. They said they were supporting their Communist cousins and were happy to be there."

It is not only the supporters that are unconventional for the North Koreans' first World Cup for 44 years. While the Brazilian team has 500 following journalists, they have just five and have banned outside media from training sessions.

After the match, as Brazil's stars mingled with journalists, the North Korean players, including star striker Jong Tae Se, who cried during his country's national anthem, were ushered away.The team has refused to fully comply with Fifa rules over media availability and at one press conference, manager Kim Jong Hun rebuked a journalist for not using his country's full name - the Democratic People's Republic of North Korea.

Fans back in the DPRNK may not have yet even seen their team's doughty performance, allowing the Brazilians only a 2-1 victory in a match they were expected to win easily. Although the country has a deal to transmit World Cup matches, it will be shown only when their "Dear Leader" thinks fit.