The Asian side proved too strong for Carlos Paniagua’s team at Stadion Miejski ŁKS Łódź, securing their place in the final with a dominant performance.
Pak Ok-I, Rim Jong Choe and Ryu Gyong So scored the goals that ended Colombia’s hopes of reaching a first-ever U-20 World Cup final. North Korea controlled large periods of the match and converted their superiority into a convincing scoreline.
Colombia had reached the last four after a dramatic late victory over Nigeria in the quarter-finals, when Valerín Loboa scored in stoppage time. That result had raised hopes of a deep run, but they were unable to match North Korea’s intensity and quality on the day.
The defeat means Colombia will now contest the third-place play-off against Italy on Saturday. Italy had themselves been beaten 2-0 by Spain in the other semi-final.
North Korea, three-time champions and the defending title holders, will face Spain in the final on Sunday as they chase another world crown.
Despite the semi-final exit, Colombia’s run to the last four represents a strong showing and their best performance at the tournament since finishing fourth in 2010.