'Home-court calls and bus no-shows' — Japan's blatant bias could not stop 'ace' Lee Hyun-jung... A historic one-man show 金 Top contributor [Aichi Nagoya AG]

*This content was translated by AI.

Excessive bias and home-court calls could not halt Korea's golden run in men's basketball.

The Nam Ja-nong-gu (CEO) team defeated host nation Japan 67-57 in the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games men's basketball final held at the Aichi International Arena in Nagoya, Japan, on the 20th, securing the championship.

With this victory, Korean basketball claimed its fifth Asian Games gold medal overall and its first since the 2014 Incheon tournament — a 12-year gap.

It was an emotional gold medal. Ace Lee Hyun-jung, who dominated the court with every fiber of his being, poured out hot tears.

This gold medal was achieved by overcoming double adversity — off-court misfortunes and biased officiating — through sheer skill.

On the day of the final, the Lee Nal (CEO) team faced an absurd situation when the organizing committee failed to provide official shuttle buses in the morning, forcing the cancellation of all shooting and tactical training sessions just before the game.

Bias on the court was also severe. Japanese players' rough physical confrontations left visible scratches on the arms of Korea's Taeguk warriors, yet the referees remained silent. Even when Jang Jae-seok clearly had his hand struck during a shot attempt under the basket, officials called a touch-out instead of a foul, sparking fierce protests. Meanwhile, Japanese center Gano Toyoshige repeatedly committed fouls by moving his body illegally during screens, yet the first illegal screen call was not made until the fourth quarter — a clear sign of one-sided home-court calls.

It was 'ace' Lee Hyun-jung who saved the team under adverse conditions. Lee delivered a one-man show with 27 points, 18 rebounds (4 offensive), 3 assists, and 2 steals to lead his team to victory. Lee Jung-hyun also contributed with 14 points and 7 assists.

The game turned on Lee Hyun-jung's fingertips in the second half. After falling behind midway through the third quarter, Lee immediately regained momentum by sinking two consecutive three-pointers. Riding this surge, Korea — even while under pressure from the shot clock in the fourth quarter — extended its lead to 62-49 through Lee's long-range shots, precious offensive rebounds followed by scores, and drawing offensive fouls, firmly securing the win.

Japan mounted a late comeback, narrowing the gap to 64-55, but Korea calmly held on to claim a decisive 10-point victory — winning its first gold medal in 12 years on enemy soil.

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*This content was translated by AI.