Journalist

Kang Sang Heon
  • Volleyball star Kim Yeon-koung named Asian winner of IOCs annual award
    Volleyball star Kim Yeon-koung named Asian winner of IOC's annual award SEOUL, March 10 (AJP) - Volleyball star Kim Yeon-koung has been named one of the recipients of the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) annual awards, which recognize efforts to promote gender equality, diversity, and inclusion in sport, along with winners from other continents. The Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Champions awards are presented annually across continents with one at the world level and one each for Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe and Oceania, honoring individuals who have made outstanding contributions to "gender equality, diversity and inclusion in and through sport across the areas of participation, leadership, safe sport, portrayal and resource allocation." According to the IOC, Kim was chosen as the winner in the Asia region in recognition of her efforts, even after retiring as a professional player, to expand women's participation in sports, strengthen leadership, and promote a safe and fair sporting environment. The IOC said the former captain of South Korea's national volleyball team has continued to "advance gender equality and athlete welfare through her leadership off the court," while working to "expand opportunities for girls and young women in sport by addressing financial and structural barriers to participation." "Through mentoring, athlete advocacy and public engagement, also supports leadership development for women in sport and promotes safe, fair and inclusive sporting environments," it added. During her career, Kim helped elevate South Korea's standing in women's volleyball and grow public interest in the sport, participating in three Olympics — London in 2012, Rio de Janeiro in 2016 and Tokyo in 2020. Since retiring, Kim has established a foundation to nurture prospective athletes through scholarships, equipment support, youth clinics, and other training programs. "It is very meaningful that Kim's dedication and achievements have been recognized internationally," said Yoo Seung-min, president of the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee. Meanwhile, former captain of India's men's national volleyball team Abhijit Bhattacharya was named the global winner in recognition of his large-scale, inclusive grassroots sports program for children. 2026-03-10 16:13:48
  • Volleyball Star Kim Yeon-koung Wins IOC GEDI Champions Award for Asia
    Volleyball Star Kim Yeon-koung Wins IOC GEDI Champions Award for Asia The Korean Sport & Olympic Committee said March 10 that volleyball star Kim Yeon-koung has been named the Asia regional winner of the International Olympic Committee’s Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Champions Awards, known as the IOC GEDI Champions Awards. The award recognizes individuals who help spread the values of gender equality, diversity and inclusion through sport. Winners are selected to represent the world and each continent. The committee said Kim was honored for continuing efforts after retiring as a player to expand women’s participation in sport, strengthen leadership and promote a safe and fair sports environment. During her playing career, Kim helped raise South Korea’s international competitiveness in women’s volleyball and broaden public interest in women’s sports. She was named most valuable player at the 2012 London Olympics and competed in three Olympics — London in 2012, Rio de Janeiro in 2016 and Tokyo in 2020 — with sustained results on the global stage. After retiring, Kim founded the KYK Foundation in 2024 to more systematically support youth athletes and expand sports participation, the committee said. The foundation runs scholarship and training-support programs for young athletes who struggle to continue due to financial constraints, with a focus on reducing barriers faced by girls and helping them stay in sport. It also works to widen opportunities for young athletes and support local sports by hosting a nationwide middle school volleyball tournament, providing equipment to school volleyball teams and operating youth clinics, the committee said. Kim has also taken part in efforts to help women athletes continue their careers and move into leadership roles. Through the broadcast program “Rookie Coach Kim Yeon-koung,” she has provided coaching and mentoring to women athletes who retired or left their teams and supported transitions into coaching and other sports-related fields, the committee said. She has also participated in international sports activities, including serving as an ambassador for the International Volleyball Federation and as a promotional ambassador for the World Anti-Doping Agency’s general assembly, emphasizing athlete education, fair competition and safe sports environments, the committee said. Korean Sport & Olympic Committee President Yoo Seung-min said, “This award to Chairwoman Kim Yeon-koung is a meaningful achievement that shows international recognition of her work to put the values of gender equality and inclusion into practice through sport.” He added, “We plan to continue various efforts so that sport can function as a platform to spread social values.” 2026-03-10 14:24:00
  • BTS’ Jin Songs Played at WBC and Winter Olympics Venues
    BTS’ Jin Songs Played at WBC and Winter Olympics Venues BTS member Jin’s solo music has again been featured at major international sports events, underscoring his global reach. At the 2026 World Baseball Classic game between South Korea and Taiwan on March 8 at the Tokyo Dome in Japan, Jin’s “Running Wild,” the title track from his first solo album “Happy,” was played in the stadium. His clear vocals and band-driven sound blended with the crowd’s cheers and lifted the atmosphere, the report said. It was not the first time “Running Wild” has been used in a high-profile sports broadcast. The song drew attention after it was included in a CBS prime-time telecast of an NFL game between the Buffalo Bills and Detroit Lions in December 2024. The track, released in November 2024, surpassed 1.7 million TikTok posts using it within 10 days, ranking second among Korean male solo songs in usage after Shaun’s “Way Back Home,” according to the report. Jin’s voice was also heard at the 2026 Milan-Cortina d’Ampezzo Winter Olympics, which ended last month. After major figure skating events — the pairs free skate on Feb. 9, the men’s singles short program on Feb. 11 and the women’s singles short program on Feb. 18 — “Don’t Say You Love Me,” the title track from his second mini-album “Echo,” played in the venue, the report said. Released in May last year, “Don’t Say You Love Me” topped Spotify’s global chart on May 25, 2025, making Jin the first Asian artist to reach No. 1 on the platform’s global chart with a song released in 2025, the report said. Jin also drew attention during the Paris Summer Olympics in July 2024 when he took part as a torchbearer. French weekly magazine Paris Match described him holding the torch in front of the Louvre Museum and praised him as “a true prince crowned 235 years after the French Revolution.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-10 09:00:42
  • South Korea beats Australia to reach WBC quarterfinals for first time in 17 years
    South Korea beats Australia to reach WBC quarterfinals for first time in 17 years South Korea advanced to the World Baseball Classic quarterfinals for the first time in 17 years, beating Australia 7-2 on March 9 at Tokyo Dome in Japan. The team managed by Ryu Ji-hyun finished 2-2 in Pool C. South Korea, Taiwan and Australia ended tied, but South Korea moved on as the pool’s No. 2 team behind Japan (3-1) on the tiebreaker of lowest runs allowed. It is South Korea’s first trip out of the WBC group stage since its runner-up finish in 2009. South Korea entered the game needing a win by at least five runs while allowing no more than two, and it met both conditions. The team will fly to Miami on the night of March 10 on a chartered plane. The quarterfinal is scheduled for 7:30 a.m. March 14 (Korean time) against the Pool D winner. In Pool D, the Dominican Republic and Venezuela each have two wins. South Korea struck first in the second inning when Moon Bo-gyeong of the LG Twins hit a two-run homer. In the third, Jahmai Jones of the Detroit Tigers, Lee Jung-hoo of the San Francisco Giants and Moon hit consecutive doubles, driving in two more runs for a 4-0 lead. Moon delivered again in the fifth with an RBI single to make it 5-0. Australia got on the board in the bottom of the fifth when So Hyeong-jun of the KT Wiz gave up a solo homer to Robbie Glendinning, cutting it to 5-1. South Korea answered in the sixth on an RBI hit by Kim Do-yeong of the KIA Tigers to restore a five-run cushion at 6-1. Australia scored again in the eighth, tightening the margin and leaving South Korea needing an insurance run in the ninth to keep the required five-run gap. In the ninth, Kim drew a walk and a throwing error by the shortstop on a ball hit by Lee put runners at first and third with one out. Ahn Hyeon-min of the KT Wiz followed with a sacrifice fly to push the lead back to five runs. In the bottom of the ninth, reliever Jo Byeong-hyeon of the SSG Landers recorded the final out on an infield fly, sealing South Korea’s quarterfinal berth.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-09 22:42:00
  • LIV Golf Korea 2026 to be held May 28-31 at Busan’s Asiad CC
    LIV Golf Korea 2026 to be held May 28-31 at Busan’s Asiad CC LIV Golf said Monday it will stage “LIV Golf Korea 2026” from May 28-31 at Asiad CC in Busan. Backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, LIV Golf launched in 2022 and held LIV Golf Korea for the first time last year at Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea in Incheon. The event drew about 35,000 spectators over three days, organizers said. This year’s tournament will move to Busan under a multiyear agreement with Asiad CC. LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil called the return to South Korea and the Busan venue “an important step” for the league and Korean fans. “Interest in LIV Golf continues to grow,” O’Neil said, adding that Asiad CC and Busan meet the league’s vision “both competitively and culturally.” He said he hopes to deliver another memorable week for Korean fans after last season’s successful debut. Korean GC, a team formed this season, is also set to play in South Korea for the first time. The all-Korean roster is led by captain An Byeong-hun and includes Kim Min-gyu, Song Young-han and Danny Lee. The team has signed partnerships including the Hanwha Financial Group co-brand Plus and golfwear brand Amazingcre, the league said. “Having LIV Golf held in Korea means a great deal to all of us,” An said. “Competing in our home country and in front of Korean fans gives us a special sense of pride.” He said he is glad the team can represent Korean golf worldwide and hopes to show Korean GC’s “energy, passion and competitiveness.” Organizers said the event will again pair golf with entertainment. Last year’s tournament drew attention with performances by top artists including G-Dragon and IVE. Details of this year’s concert and entertainment programs will be announced later. Busan Mayor Park Heong-joon said it is meaningful that LIV Golf is returning to South Korea and holding the May event in Busan. Hosting a global sports event of this scale in the city reflects Busan’s rising profile as an international hub for sports, culture and tourism, he said, adding that he hopes to welcome world-class players and golf fans and showcase the city’s appeal.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-09 17:55:18
  • South Korea Faces Must-Win vs Australia, Needs Big Margin to Reach WBC Quarterfinals
    South Korea Faces Must-Win vs Australia, Needs Big Margin to Reach WBC Quarterfinals South Korea’s national baseball team is on the brink of a fourth straight World Baseball Classic group-stage exit and must win its finale against Australia before turning to tiebreaker math. Even a victory may not be enough. Manager Ryu Ji-hyun’s team plays Australia at 7 p.m. on March 9 at the Tokyo Dome in Tokyo in its fourth Pool C game of the 2026 WBC. South Korea is 1-2 in pool play. It opened with an 11-4 win over the Czech Republic on March 5, then lost 8-6 to Japan on March 7 and fell 5-4 to Taiwan in the bottom of the 10th inning on March 8. South Korea is fourth in the group behind Japan (3-0), Australia (2-1) and Taiwan (2-2). To reach the quarterfinals in Miami, teams must finish in the top two. That leaves South Korea needing a win over Australia to have any chance. If South Korea beats Australia, South Korea, Australia and Taiwan would all finish 2-2. The tournament’s tiebreakers are head-to-head results, fewest runs allowed, fewest earned runs allowed, batting average and, if needed, a drawing of lots. In a three-way tie, head-to-head does not break the deadlock, so runs allowed becomes decisive. Only games among the tied teams count; results against Japan and the Czech Republic are excluded. South Korea allowed five runs in 10 innings against Taiwan. Taiwan has allowed seven runs in 18 innings against South Korea and Australia, while Australia posted a nine-inning shutout against Taiwan. For South Korea to finish ahead of both Australia and Taiwan, it needs to win a nine-inning game against Australia by at least five runs. Runs allowed also matter: If South Korea gives up three or more, it would trail Taiwan on runs allowed rate. That means South Korea must beat Australia by at least five runs while allowing two or fewer in a nine-inning game to advance to the quarterfinals. South Korea will start left-hander Son Ju-young of the LG Twins, with the team needing to keep runs to a minimum. Son pitched one scoreless inning in relief against Japan on March 7, allowing one hit. Son has performed well in big games, posting a 2.45 ERA in five career KBO postseason appearances. Australia will start left-hander Lachlan Wells of LG. He pitched in South Korea last season as a replacement foreign player for the Kiwoom Heroes and joined LG this season under the league’s Asia quota.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-09 15:00:43
  • Si Woo Kim ties for 13th at Arnold Palmer Invitational; Akshay Bhatia wins in playoff
    Si Woo Kim ties for 13th at Arnold Palmer Invitational; Akshay Bhatia wins in playoff Si Woo Kim finished tied for 13th at the PGA Tour signature event Arnold Palmer Invitational, which has a $20 million purse. Kim shot a 2-under 70 in the final round at Bay Hill Club & Lodge (par 72) in Orlando, Florida, with four birdies and two bogeys. He closed at 5-under 283, tying Viktor Hovland of Norway, Maverick McNealy, Billy Horschel and Daniel Berger of the United States, and Sepp Straka of Austria. The Arnold Palmer Invitational is one of the PGA Tour’s top-tier signature events, limited to 72 players. Akshay Bhatia of the United States won the title. Bhatia finished at 15-under 273 and beat Berger on the first hole of a playoff to claim his third career PGA Tour victory, his first in 1 year 11 months. He earned $4 million (about 5.94 billion won) in prize money. All three of Bhatia’s PGA Tour wins have come in playoffs. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler of the United States tied for 24th at 2-under 286. World No. 2 Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland withdrew after the second round because of back pain.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-09 10:30:00
  • Seo Seung-jae, Kim Won-ho win second straight All England Open men’s doubles title
    Seo Seung-jae, Kim Won-ho win second straight All England Open men’s doubles title Seo Seung-jae and Kim Won-ho (Samsung Life Insurance) won back-to-back All England Open men’s doubles titles. The world No. 1 pair beat Malaysia’s Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik 2-1 (18-21, 21-12, 21-19) in the men’s doubles final of the BWF World Tour Super 1000 event at Utilita Arena in Birmingham, England, on March 9 (Korean time). They became the first team in 40 years to repeat as champions at the tournament since Park Joo-bong and Kim Moon-soo won in 1985 and 1986. The two reunited early last year after seven years apart and are regarded as one of South Korea’s top men’s doubles pairings. They reached No. 1 in the world rankings within six months of rejoining and last season won 11 BWF World Tour titles, setting a single-season record. In women’s singles, world No. 1 An Se-young fell short of becoming the first South Korean singles player to win the All England Open in consecutive years. She lost 0-2 (15-21, 19-21) to world No. 2 Wang Zhiyi of China in the final on March 8. An had won all 10 of her previous meetings with Wang, but came up short at the All England. Her unbeaten run since the Denmark Open in October ended at 36 straight wins. In women’s doubles, world No. 4 Baek Ha-na and Lee So-hee (Incheon International Airport) finished runners-up. They lost 0-2 (18-21, 12-21) to world No. 1 Liu Shengshu and Tan Ning of China in the final on March 8. Baek and Lee were seeking their first All England Open title in two years, dating to 2024, but missed out.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-09 09:33:00
  • Kim Seong-hyeon Ties for 42nd at Puerto Rico Open; Ricky Castillo Wins First PGA Tour Title
    Kim Seong-hyeon Ties for 42nd at Puerto Rico Open; Ricky Castillo Wins First PGA Tour Title Kim Seong-hyeon finished in the middle of the standings at the PGA Tour’s Puerto Rico Open, which had a $4 million purse. Kim shot a 1-under 71 in the final round at Grand Reserve Golf Club (par 72) in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico, with five birdies and four bogeys. He finished at 6-under 282 and tied for 42nd. Kim was the only South Korean in the field. Ricky Castillo of the United States won with a 17-under 271 total, edging Chandler Blanchet of the United States by one shot (16-under 272). Castillo, born in 2001 and a PGA Tour rookie in the 2004-2005 season, earned his first victory. He took home $720,000 in prize money (about 1.07 billion won). With the win, Castillo also secured spots in next week’s Players Championship and the PGA Championship in May.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-09 08:36:00
  • Mi Hyang Lee Wins Blue Bay LPGA for First Tour Title in 8 Years, 8 Months
    Mi Hyang Lee Wins Blue Bay LPGA for First Tour Title in 8 Years, 8 Months Mi Hyang Lee won on the LPGA Tour for the first time in 8 years and 8 months, capturing the Blue Bay LPGA in China on Saturday. Lee shot a 1-over 73 in the final round at Jian Lake Blue Bay Golf Course (par 72) in Hainan province, mixing five birdies with two bogeys and two double bogeys in the $2.6 million event. She finished at 11-under 277, edging Zhang Weiwei of China (10-under 278) by one shot. Lee earned $390,000 (about 580 million won). Lee, who debuted on the LPGA Tour in 2012, won her first title at the 2014 Mizuno Classic and last won in July 2017 at the Scotland Open. Saturday’s victory was her third career LPGA title. She also became the first South Korean winner of the 2026 LPGA season, which opened in late January. “I had forgotten what it feels like to win, so I wanted to feel it again,” Lee said in a postround interview with a local broadcaster. “I stayed patient with my caddie. I really wanted to win.” “I’ve had a lot of difficulties over the past few years,” she said, thanking her father, caddie, coach, friends and family. She added that fellow players on tour had consistently encouraged her, saying, “This win is something they made possible.” Hyejin Choi finished tied for fifth at 7-under 281 alongside A Lim Kim, Yu Liu of China and Rio Takeda of Japan. Rookie Yu-min Hwang tied for 18th at 1-under 287 with Ji-eun Shin among others. Rookie Dong-eun Lee, making her LPGA Tour debut, tied for 39th at 4-over 292.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-08 23:36:00