Journalist

Kang Sang Heon
  • South Korea Beats Czech Republic 11-4 in WBC Opener With Four Homers
    South Korea Beats Czech Republic 11-4 in WBC Opener With Four Homers 한국 야구대표팀이 2026 월드에비스볼클래식(WBC) 1차전에서 완승을 거뒀다. Ryu Ji-hyun’s South Korea national team opened the 2026 World Baseball Classic with an 11-4 win over the Czech Republic on March 5 at the Tokyo Dome in Japan in Group C play. It was South Korea’s first victory in a WBC opener since 2009, ending a 17-year drought in first-game wins. South Korea is aiming for the quarterfinals after failing to advance past the group stage in three straight tournaments in 2013, 2017 and 2023. Starter So Hyeong-jun (KT Wiz) worked three scoreless innings, allowing four hits. Noh Kyung-eun (SSG Landers), Jeong Woo-joo (Hanwha Eagles), Park Young-hyun (KT), Jo Byeong-hyeon (SSG), Kim Young-gyu (NC Dinos) and Yoo Young-chan (LG Twins) each pitched one inning in relief. South Korea hit four home runs. Seven of the nine starters had hits, with Kim Do-young (KIA Tigers) and Kim Hye-seong (Los Angeles Dodgers) the exceptions. Moon Bo-kyung (LG) went 2 for 3 with five RBIs, highlighted by a grand slam. Korean American big leaguer Shea Whitcomb (Houston Astros) hit two homers and drove in three runs, going 2 for 4. Jeremiah Jones (Detroit Tigers) also homered. Lee Jung-hoo (San Francisco Giants) went 2 for 4. South Korea plays Japan at 7 p.m. on March 7 at the same venue in its second group game.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-05 22:48:00
  • Korea Golf Course Management Association Unveils Official Mascots
    Korea Golf Course Management Association Unveils Official Mascots The Korea Golf Course Management Association has unveiled its official mascots, “Pilttu” and “Seonggong-i,” as part of an effort to symbolize the future of the golf industry and communicate more closely with golfers. The main character, Pilttu, was introduced on March 4. Its name combines “field” with a Korean term meaning “leader.” Seonggong-i was introduced alongside Pilttu and reflects the message that success is about direction, not speed. The association said it will use the characters’ shared storyline to strengthen golfers’ offline experiences. Using Pilttu’s image, it plans campaigns on ESG (environmental, social and governance), safety and etiquette. Pilttu will also be used as an industry messenger on social media, and the association plans to produce KakaoTalk emoticons using 3D motion to broaden everyday communication. The association also plans to feature 3D versions of the characters in educational guide videos for golf course managers and golfers to make information easier to absorb. It said it will also produce branded goods reflecting the characters’ symbolism to help promote a sustainable golf course culture. Choi Dong-ho, the association’s chairman, said Pilttu and Seonggong-i will be “kind and dependable friends” who bring golfers “a pleasant smile.” He said he hopes the characters will help make golf courses feel more accessible and serve as messengers of a golf culture that people of all ages can enjoy together.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-05 07:58:08
  • World Cup 100 Days Out: Iran Boycott Threat and Mexico Security Worries Cloud 2026 Tournament
    World Cup 100 Days Out: Iran Boycott Threat and Mexico Security Worries Cloud 2026 Tournament The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, is 100 days away. The tournament opens June 12 (Korea time) and runs through July 19 across 16 cities. It will be the first World Cup played with 48 teams. Organizers are facing growing concerns, however, as instability in the Middle East and worsening security in Mexico tied to the government’s fight with drug cartels raise fears of disruption. ◆Iran hints it may skip World Cup after U.S. strike The biggest uncertainty is heightened tension in the Middle East after U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran, including a direct U.S. strike. Iran has suggested it may not take part in the North American World Cup. Mehdi Taj, head of the Iran Football Federation, said on Iranian state television on March 1, “In a situation where the United States has carried out airstrikes, it seems difficult to expect participation in this World Cup,” signaling a possible boycott. Since the 1950 World Cup in Brazil, no team that had already secured qualification has declared it would withdraw shortly before the tournament. Iran is scheduled to play all of its group-stage matches in the United States: against New Zealand and Belgium on June 16 and 22 in Los Angeles, then against Egypt on June 27 in Seattle. If Iran withdraws, the financial cost could be significant. The Associated Press reported March 3 that Iran would forgo at least $10.5 million. FIFA pays each of the 48 finalists $1.5 million for preparation costs and also pays $9 million to each of the 16 teams eliminated in the group stage. Iran could also face a fine of at least 250,000 Swiss francs and could lose eligibility to take part in the next World Cup qualifiers, the report said. The BBC reported that if Iran boycotts, Iraq or the United Arab Emirates could benefit. Iraq reached the intercontinental playoff after beating the UAE 3-2 in a fifth-round qualifier. Iraq is set to play a one-off match on April 1 against the winner of Bolivia vs. Suriname; if Iraq wins that intercontinental playoff, a scenario could emerge in which the UAE takes Iran’s place in the finals. FIFA said it is watching closely. Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom said, “Our goal is for all teams to participate and to stage the World Cup safely.” Trump, president of the co-host United States, took a hard line. In an interview with Politico on March 4, he said of Iran, “I don’t care whether Iran comes to the World Cup or not,” adding, “I think Iran is a country that has been very seriously defeated. Completely depleted.” ◆Mexico security crisis deepens after cartel retaliation Mexico, another co-host, is also grappling with worsening security. After the Mexican government killed the leader of a drug cartel in Jalisco state in February, cartel members have repeatedly blocked roads and set vehicles and shops on fire, among other acts of violence. Some qualified teams have moved to issue travel advisories or raise alert levels for high-risk areas in Mexico. South Korea’s Foreign Ministry has also advised canceling or postponing travel there. With concerns growing that the unrest could drag on, some have raised the possibility of changing host sites within Mexico or canceling certain matches. As speculation spread that Guadalajara could lose its hosting rights, Jalisco Gov. Pablo Lemus told a news briefing on Feb. 24 that there was “no risk at all” of Guadalajara being stripped of matches. FIFA President Gianni Infantino also said he trusted Mexican authorities and that there would be no schedule changes. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum sought to reassure the public. In a Feb. 25 briefing, she said, “There is absolutely no problem. If anything, trust is firm,” adding that fans would not be put at risk and that the government and security forces would use all available resources to guarantee safety during the World Cup. She repeated that message at a news conference on Feb. 26, saying she wanted domestic and international visitors to know the World Cup would be a major celebration in Mexico and that the country was ready to welcome national teams and fans. South Korea’s national team is watching developments closely because all three of its group-stage matches are scheduled to be played in Mexico. Drawn into Group A, South Korea is set to open June 12 against the winner of a European playoff at Akron Stadium in Guadalajara. It then plays host Mexico there on June 19 and finishes the group stage June 25 against South Africa at BBVA Stadium in Monterrey. South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo said the team would focus on preparation despite the unsettled environment. “It seems the World Cup is drawing major attention even before it begins because of various external situations,” Hong said. “Our team will not be shaken by the outside environment, and we plan to do our best with what we can do now,” he added. “Until the tournament begins in 100 days, the coaching staff and players will prepare well in their respective roles.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-04 16:24:00
  • Injury-hit South Korea targets WBC quarterfinals, with Taiwan game looming large
    Injury-hit South Korea targets WBC quarterfinals, with Taiwan game looming large Ryu Ji-hyeon’s South Korea national baseball team is aiming for a spot in the quarterfinals at the 2026 World Baseball Classic, seeking to end a run of three straight first-round exits in 2013, 2017 and 2023. The path looks steep. Injuries have sidelined key players, and rivals in Pool C appear stronger than in past tournaments. South Korea will play four Pool C games at the Tokyo Dome, opening March 5 against the Czech Republic, then facing Japan on March 7, Taiwan on March 8 and Australia on March 9. To reach the quarterfinals in Miami, South Korea must finish in the top two of the group. ◆ Injuries put pitching staff under strain; pressure rises on Kwak Bin and Ryu Hyun-jin South Korea’s biggest concern is the loss of core players. Expected starters Moon Dong-ju (Hanwha Eagles) and Won Tae-in (Samsung Lions) were dropped from the roster, and Korean American big leaguer Riley O’Brien (St. Louis Cardinals), slated to close, could not join because of a calf injury. In the field, Kim Ha-seong (Atlanta Braves) and Song Seong-mun (San Diego Padres) are also out. Analysts have assessed the team at about 80% to 85% of full strength. Song Jae-woo, a TVING commentator, said in a Feb. 27 phone interview that most of the injured players were key contributors. “The three pitchers being out feels especially big,” Song said. “The WBC is a tournament where you need to go in at full strength to have a chance. Not being able to do that makes it a tough road.” With the staff thinned, the role of Kwak Bin (Doosan Bears) has grown, with analysts expecting him to start the pivotal game against Taiwan. SPOTV commentator Min Hoon-ki said, “All the ace pitchers are out. Kwak’s role will be big.” Song said South Korea’s best international runs have typically featured a clear No. 1 starter. “In this tournament, Kwak has to fill that role,” Song said. “It’s a really important assignment, and he has to deliver.” Veteran left-hander Ryu Hyun-jin (Hanwha) is also seen as a stabilizing presence. Min said Ryu would be counted on in big moments and could help teammates prepare off the field as well. South Korea is also looking to Korean American players for a boost. Under WBC rules, players may choose a national team based on a parent’s heritage. This roster includes Jermaine Jones (Detroit Tigers), Shay Whitcomb (Houston Astros) and veteran pitcher Dane Dunning (Seattle Mariners). Min described Jones and Whitcomb as right-handed power bats who could help the lineup, particularly against left-handed pitching. Song said Whitcomb’s power could matter when the team needs a big swing. Dunning is expected to work as a flexible option, starting or relieving. Song called him a “joker card,” citing his experience and a sinker that could be useful when South Korea needs ground balls or a double play. ◆ Taiwan game seen as the key hurdle for a quarterfinal berth Analysts say South Korea’s quarterfinal hopes may hinge on Taiwan, assuming it takes care of the Czech Republic and Australia. South Korea is 4-0 against Taiwan in WBC play, but the most recent meeting ended in a painful loss to Taiwan in the group stage of the 2024 WBSC Premier12. Song said Taiwan is “the strongest it has ever been,” noting that it now has five or six pitchers who throw in the mid-to-upper 150 kph range, giving it more flexibility. Min said the old view of Taiwan as a team prone to defensive mistakes no longer applies, calling it roughly equal to South Korea in ability. The schedule is another concern. South Korea plays Japan at 7 p.m. on March 7, then returns less than a day later to face Taiwan at noon on March 8. To limit bullpen wear, analysts said South Korea needs early runs against the Czech Republic to reduce the use of late-inning relievers, then adjust for Japan and Taiwan. “South Korea has to crush the Czech Republic early and build momentum,” Song said. “Save pitchers and face Japan and Taiwan with confidence.” ◆ Against Japan, analysts say South Korea needs a clutch hitter and extra edge South Korea and Japan have played close games in WBC history, with South Korea holding a 4-5 record. But analysts said the gap in overall talent looks wider heading into this tournament. “Objectively, looking at name value, the lineup and how the pitching staff is built, South Korea is behind,” Min said. Song said South Korea would need something beyond its baseline performance in a short tournament. “Because we’re clearly weaker, we have to show something more than our ability,” he said. “In the tight flow of a short series, a ‘problem-solver’ has to emerge to flip the mood in an instant.” Even so, both analysts said rivalry games can turn on factors outside pure talent, including mental toughness. “In Korea-Japan games, variables beyond objective strength often affect the result,” Min said. “When we face them head-on as one team, there’s no rule that says we can’t beat Japan. Our players are mentally prepared.” Song said the best-case scenario would be to stay even through a clutch performance, then steal the win late.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-04 00:03:00
  • Iran Women’s Volleyball Coach Lee Do-hee Returning to South Korea Amid War Fallout
    Iran Women’s Volleyball Coach Lee Do-hee Returning to South Korea Amid War Fallout Lee Do-hee, who leads Iran’s women’s national volleyball team, is returning to South Korea amid fallout from the war between the United States and Iran. Volleyball officials said Tuesday that Lee is scheduled to arrive via Incheon International Airport on March 5. Lee has coached Iran’s under-23 women’s national team since the summer of 2024. Last month, she guided Iran’s Foolad MS (FMS) to the title at the Central Asian Volleyball Association (CAVA) Women’s Club Championship. This year, she was set to lead the squad at the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Nations Cup, the Asian Championship and the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. Iran’s state broadcaster Al Mayadeen reported Tuesday that an airstrike targeting a gym in Lamerd village in Iran’s southern Fars province killed 20 Iranian women volleyball players. The outlet said most of those killed were young prospects and that children were also inside the gym at the time. In a statement on the war, the International Volleyball Federation said that “a number of Iran’s young volleyball players have died amid the deteriorating security situation in the Middle East and nearby areas.” It said it formed a special task force to work with governments and other relevant bodies, calling it an urgent priority to ensure the safety of all volleyball players, coaches and staff who live in, are visiting, or are now caught up in the conflict.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-03 17:42:00
  • Kim Do-yeong, Ahn Hyeon-min and Shea Whitcomb homer as South Korea wins final WBC tune-up
    Kim Do-yeong, Ahn Hyeon-min and Shea Whitcomb homer as South Korea wins final WBC tune-up South Korea’s national baseball team closed its pre-tournament schedule with a win ahead of the 2026 World Baseball Classic. The team managed by Ryu Ji-hyeon beat Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball club Orix Buffaloes 8-5 on March 3 at Kyocera Dome in Osaka in an official WBC exhibition game. South Korea finished its two-game exhibition series against Japanese clubs at 1-0-1 after a 3-3 tie with the Hanshin Tigers a day earlier. The team previously went 4-1 in five warmup games in Okinawa against KBO clubs including the Samsung Lions, Hanwha Eagles and KIA Tigers. South Korea will now travel to Tokyo. It opens group play on March 5 at Tokyo Dome against the Czech Republic. The offense showed power, scoring eight runs on 10 hits, including three home runs, as the team sharpened its bats ahead of the opener. Ahn Hyeon-min had three hits, including a homer. Leadoff hitter Kim Do-yeong of the KIA Tigers homered for the second straight day. Korean American slugger Shea Whitcomb of the Houston Astros hit his first exhibition hit as a home run. Starter Dane Dunning, a Korean American pitcher with the Seattle Mariners, worked three scoreless innings, allowing three hits and striking out one. Wearing the national team uniform for the first time ahead of the tournament, he delivered a strong debut. Relievers Ko Woo-suk of the Detroit Tigers, Kim Young-gyu of the NC Dinos and Cho Byung-hyun of the SSG Landers each threw a scoreless inning from the fifth through the seventh.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-03 17:12:00
  • Kim Do-young’s tying homer lifts South Korea to 3-3 WBC tune-up draw vs Hanshin
    Kim Do-young’s tying homer lifts South Korea to 3-3 WBC tune-up draw vs Hanshin South Korea’s national baseball team, preparing for the 2026 World Baseball Classic, played Japan’s Hanshin Tigers to a 3-3 tie in an exhibition game. The team managed by Ryu Ji-hyun drew with Hanshin on March 2 at Kyocera Dome Osaka in Osaka, Japan, in an official WBC tune-up. Ryu’s squad entered its first official exhibition after going 4-1 in five games in Okinawa against KBO clubs including the Samsung Lions, Hanwha Eagles and KIA Tigers. Starter Kwak Bin (Doosan Bears) struggled, allowing three runs on three hits and a walk with one strikeout over two innings. He ran into trouble in the second inning. Six relievers followed and combined for scoreless work. Noh Kyung-eun (SSG Landers), Son Ju-young (LG Twins) and Ko Young-pyo (KT Wiz) each threw a scoreless inning from the second through the fifth. Ryu Hyun-jin (Hanwha Eagles) worked two innings in the sixth and seventh, giving up one hit and no runs. Park Young-hyun (KT) and Kim Taek-yeon (Doosan) each pitched a scoreless inning in the eighth and ninth. At the plate, leadoff hitter Kim Do-young (KIA Tigers) provided the key blow, hitting a game-tying solo homer in the fifth. He went 2 for 3 with one RBI and one run scored. South Korea will play the Orix Buffaloes at noon March 3 at the same venue in its final warmup, then travel to Tokyo. The team opens WBC group play on March 5 against the Czech Republic at the Tokyo Dome.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-02 15:48:00
  • Tom Kim Finishes 59th at PGA Tour Cognizant Classic; Nico Echavarria Wins
    Tom Kim Finishes 59th at PGA Tour Cognizant Classic; Nico Echavarria Wins Tom Kim finished 59th at the PGA Tour Cognizant Classic, a $9.6 million event. Playing the final round Sunday (Korean time) at PGA National’s Champion Course (par 71) in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, Kim shot a 2-under 69 with four birdies and two bogeys. He closed at 1-under 283 and placed 59th among the 67 players who made the cut. Kim was the only South Korean in the field to advance to the weekend. Kim slipped down the leaderboard after a third-round 72, then moved up slightly with an under-par finish but remained in the lower tier. He has now made the cut in six straight events this season. His best result was a tie for 34th at last month’s Genesis Invitational. Nico Echavarria of Colombia won at 17-under 267, finishing two shots ahead of Taylor Moore, Austin Smotherman (both United States) and Shane Lowry of Ireland, who tied for second. Echavarria, who earned his first PGA Tour victory at the Puerto Rico Open in March 2023, collected his third career title, his first since the Zozo Championship in October 2024. He earned $1,728,000 in prize money (about 2.5 billion won). Brooks Koepka of the United States, who left LIV Golf and returned to the PGA Tour this year, tied for ninth at 10-under 274.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-02 10:24:00
  • Culture Minister Choi Hwi-young Attends K League 1 Opener, Discusses Soccer’s Growth
    Culture Minister Choi Hwi-young Attends K League 1 Opener, Discusses Soccer’s Growth Culture, Sports and Tourism Minister Choi Hwi-young visited the opening match of the K League 1 season and met with officials to discuss ways to sustain the growth of professional soccer. The ministry said Choi attended the Hana Bank K League 1 2026 match between Incheon United and FC Seoul at Incheon Football Stadium on the 28th, encouraged players and heard on-site views from soccer officials on measures to support the sport’s continued development. Before kickoff, Choi held a meeting with professional soccer officials, including a vice president of the Korea Professional Football League, the owner and CEO of Incheon United, and the CEO of FC Seoul. They exchanged views on improving the stadium experience for fans and strengthening development programs for professional and youth players. Choi also urged the K League to actively join efforts to curb ticket scalping and promote fair access, following a revision to the National Sports Promotion Act that bans illegal purchases and resales of sports tickets. The revision was promulgated Feb. 27 and takes effect Aug. 28. “Professional soccer has grown thanks to the efforts of the players on the field, the fans in the stands, and club and league officials who dedicate themselves behind the scenes,” Choi said. He added that professional soccer is a high value-added industry linking sports, leisure culture and tourism, and said the government would stay in close contact with the field and provide institutional and policy support so the K League can continue to grow.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-28 19:24:00
  • BTS to Hold Free Gwanghwamun Comeback Show; Gyeongbokgung to Close March 21
    BTS to Hold Free Gwanghwamun Comeback Show; Gyeongbokgung to Close March 21 BTS’ free comeback concert at Seoul’s Gwanghwamun Square is three weeks away, and the group is expected to perform a mix of new tracks and past hits during the roughly one-hour show. According to the music industry on Friday, HYBE is discussing a set list for the March 21 event, a free performance marking the release of BTS’ fifth full-length album, titled “BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE: ARIRANG,” to be held at Gwanghwamun Square. The concert is expected to run about an hour. HYBE said the length was set in consideration of the venue’s location in central Seoul, adding that the decision reflects the challenges of staging an event in an outdoor public space, including overall stage operations, spectator safety management and on-site control plans. Demand has been strong. The 13,000 seats available for general reservation sold out immediately after sales opened on Feb. 23, with 100,000 people placed in an online waiting queue. Police expect about 230,000 people to gather from the area around the stage to the Daehanmun Gate area of Deoksugung, and as many as 260,000 as far as Sungnyemun. With a major event planned in the city center, police are preparing safety measures. The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency has already asked Seoul Metro to consider having three nearby subway stations — Gwanghwamun, Gyeongbokgung and City Hall — pass through without stopping to help prevent crowding. Traffic controls are also expected. Vehicle access will be restricted on nearby roads including Sejong-daero, the main event site, as well as Saemunan-ro, Jongno, Sajik-ro and Yulgok-ro. Specific control times will be announced in advance through electronic road signs and other channels once finalized. Nearby cultural and tourism sites will also suspend operations. The Korea Heritage Service’s Royal Palaces and Tombs Center said on its website and social media Friday that Gyeongbokgung Palace is scheduled to close temporarily on Saturday, March 21, for safety reasons. The palace is normally closed on Tuesdays. The National Museum of Korean Contemporary History, adjacent to the square, also said it will close temporarily that day for safety reasons. The Sejong Center for the Performing Arts is canceling or adjusting scheduled performances, including musicals, plays and ballet, for that day. The National Palace Museum of Korea, next to Gyeongbokgung, is also reported to be reviewing whether to close. 2026-02-28 15:33:20