'Even Japan was shocked' Korean race walker's new record: Choi Byung-kwang, "Why are you so good at Japanese?" → "Actually..." [Aichi Nagoya AG]

*This content was translated by AI.

It has also become a hot topic in Japan. After veteran Korean race walker Choi Byung-kwang won a precious bronze medal for the first time in eight years at the Asian Games, he delivered fluent Japanese and witty remarks during his official press conference, leaving local Japanese media and reporters stunned.

On the 23rd, Japanese outlet 'Nikkan Sports' focused heavily on the story, reporting: "Choi Byung-kwang of South Korea, who finished third in the men's half-marathon race walk with a time of 1 hour 28 minutes 35 seconds to win bronze, held an astonishing three-language (English, Korean, and Japanese) press conference."

On the same day, 'Tokyo Sports' also reported: "Choi Byung-kwang, who won the bronze medal, showcased fluent Japanese at the official medalist press conference and received a big round of applause from Japanese media."

According to local reports, Choi Byung-kwang attended the official press conference held after the race alongside China's Shi Chengzhi (gold medalist) and Japan's Tanishi Toshikazu (silver medalist). After answering questions in English, when it was each athlete's turn to share their thoughts, Choi took the microphone and suddenly greeted the Japanese reporters with a natural "Hello everyone" in Japanese.

Choi joked, "As you all know, bronze medalists are indeed the happiest," bringing laughter to the press conference room.

He continued, "While racing against world-class athletes from Japan and China, I thought my ranking today might be around fifth or fourth place. Honestly, winning the bronze medal today was a stroke of luck for me — perhaps even a life-changing one." It is reported that reporters were filled with sighs and expressions of surprise at Choi's fluent Japanese delivery.

When asked by a Japanese reporter how he could speak Japanese so well, Choi replied, "I have loved watching Japanese dramas, anime, and TV programs since middle school. So I studied on my own."

He also sincerely shared the special significance of this medal as a 35-year veteran in fluent Japanese. Choi stated, "It means something extraordinary. I consider today's Asian Games medal to be both my first and last medal. I thought this might be my final Asian Games, so I did my absolute best until the end."

He also did not forget to express gratitude for the support from local spectators. Choi said, "I was truly surprised starting from the World Athletics Championships held in Tokyo last year. The energy of Japanese fans is completely different." He added, "I sincerely thank all the Japanese people who cheered for me today and everyone present here. I am truly happy," bowing his head.

Even after the press conference ended, Choi repeatedly said "Thank you" in Japanese, prompting a wave of applause from media personnel on site.

On this day, Choi Byung-kwang won the bronze medal in the men's half-marathon race walk final at the 20th Aichi-Nagoya Summer Asian Games held in Nagoya, Japan, with a time of 1 hour 28 minutes 35 seconds. This achievement marks the first Korean medal in race walking at the Asian Games in eight years since Ju Hyun-myeong won bronze at the 2018 Jakarta-Palembang Asian Games.

The 35-year-old veteran Choi Byung-kwang, who has competed in four consecutive Asian Games since the 2014 Incheon edition, firmly upheld Korea's pride in athletics on the first day of the tournament based on his extensive experience. After the race, Choi conveyed through the federation: "I thought this might be my last Asian Games, and I ended up winning a medal, making me incredibly happy and joyful, yet also emotional." He added, "Until the day I retire, I will continue to strive tirelessly to contribute even a little to the development of athletics."

Meanwhile, in the women's half-marathon race walk final held at the same time, national team member Lee Se-ha recorded fifth place with a time of 1 hour 42 minutes 28 seconds. China's Yang Liuzheng won the gold medal with a time of 1 hour 33 minutes 40 seconds.

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*This content was translated by AI.