The men's K-2 500 metres event was a pairs kayaking event conducted as part of the Canoeing at the 1988 Summer Olympics program.
The top three finishers from each of the heats advanced directly to the semifinals while the remaining teams were relegated to the repechages.
Sweden's disqualification was not disclosed in the official report.
The top three finishers from each of the repechages advanced directly to the semifinals.
The top three finishers in each of the semifinals (raced on September 28) advanced to the final.