South Korean women's basketball player Hong Yu-sun, born in Japan, is eager to perform in front of family and friends at the Asian Games in Nagoya. The 21-year-old, who plays in the Women's Korean Basketball League, aims to demonstrate her development since high school.
The story highlights the personal journey of an athlete representing a nation while having deep ties to another, underscoring the emotional significance of international competition for individuals with dual connections.
Playing in the Asian Games holds special significance for South Korean women's basketball player Hong Yu-sun, who was born in Osaka, Japan, to South Korean parents. The 21-year-old forward, who moved to South Korea for her basketball career, is looking forward to competing in front of her family and friends.
Hong was the first overall pick in the 2024-25 Women's Korean Basketball League (WKBL) draft and earned Rookie of the Year honors. She made history by becoming the first rookie in WKBL history to achieve four consecutive double-doubles.
On September 18, 2026, Hong contributed nine points and 12 rebounds to South Korea's dominant 106-40 victory over Malaysia in their opening Group C game at the Aichi International Arena in Nagoya. She expressed her desire to show her family and friends how much she has grown as a player since her high school years.
Hong's mother and about a dozen relatives are expected to attend South Korea's next game against Mongolia on Monday. She also conveyed her excitement about the possibility of facing the Japanese team in the knockout stage, having followed many of their players for a long time.