Was there ever a Korean player loved by Japan like this? "Thank you, Lee Hyun-jung, for playing in Japan," final praise... The opposing ace also said, "I will learn from you" [Aichi Nagoya AG]

*This content was translated by AI.

"Congratulations, Lee Hyun-jung. You are truly an excellent player. Thank you for playing in Japan."

Could there be another Korean player loved by Japanese fans like this?

Praise from Japanese fans continued until the very end for Lee Hyun-jung, who led the South Korean Nam Ja-nong-gu (CEO) team to an Asian Games gold medal. Although he was the ace of the opposing team that shattered Japan's gold medal dreams in the final, Japanese fans offered applause and support instead of criticism.

Japanese media D&N reported on the 22nd that "Lee Hyun-jung appeared on the official SNS of the Japanese Olympic Committee," adding that "emotional responses from Japanese fans poured in regarding the message Lee Hyun-jung conveyed."

After concluding the Asian Games, Lee Hyun-jung directly greeted Japanese fans through a publicly released video.

He said, "Dear Japanese fans, thank you. Even when I was playing for the South Korean national team, you supported me," expressing his gratitude.

In fact, the connection between Lee Hyun-jung and Japanese fans is special.

Lee Hyun-jung served as a key player for Nagasaki Velca of Japan's B.League during the 2025–2026 season. He appeared in 57 regular-season games, averaging 17.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.7 assists. Notably, he ranked first overall in the league in both three-point shooting percentage (47.9%) and total three-pointers made (187).

His presence was equally powerful during the playoffs. In the decisive Game 3 of the finals, where the championship hung in the balance, he scored 23 points with five rebounds, including three three-pointers, leading Nagasaki to the title.

After the season concluded, he received B.League Best Five and Asia Quarter Choi U-su-seon (수상) awards, and also secured the Championship MVP. It would not be an exaggeration to say he made the Japanese stage his own.

Nevertheless, in this Asian Games, he was the most painful opponent for Japan.

On the 20th, South Korea defeated Japan 67-57 in the men's basketball final of the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games to claim the gold medal. This marked their return to the top of the Asian Games for the first time since the 2014 Incheon tournament, after a 12-year gap.

At the center of it all was Lee Hyun-jung. In the final, he recorded an impressive 27 points and 18 rebounds, dismantling Japan's defense. He also hit five three-pointers, leading South Korea's offense.

For Japan, a player who had delivered his best performance in the B.League now wore the South Korean national team uniform to block their gold medal challenge.

However, reactions from Japan after the final did not match expectations.

Instead of criticism, Japanese fans expressed respect and affection toward Lee Hyun-jung, who dashed their gold medal dreams.

D&N explained that "the day after the intense Korea-Japan match, a message revealing Lee Hyun-jung's character was released, prompting a wave of praise from Japanese fans."

The affection Japanese fans held for Lee Hyun-jung was also evident at the stadium.

According to media reports, several Japanese fans wearing merchandise related to Nagasaki, where Lee Hyun-jung played last season, were spotted at the venue during the Korea-Japan match.

Lee Hyun-jung also engaged in fan service by taking commemorative photos with Japanese fans who cheered for him after the game.

Furthermore, Lee Hyun-jung reiterated his gratitude, mentioning the support from Japanese fans and saying, "Thank you so much."

Japanese fans responded warmly in kind.

Local fans left comments such as: "Congratulations, Lee Hyun-jung. You are truly an excellent player. Thank you for playing in Japan," "Through this tournament, it seems more people have come to know Lee Hyun-jung's character," "He is a player I can only respect," and "Seeing this brings tears to my eyes."

There were also voices highly evaluating both his on-court performance and off-court demeanor.

One Japanese fan remarked, "He plays with strong determination while never losing respect or consideration for opponents. He is also incredibly kind to fans."

Another fan added praise, saying, "Lee Hyun-jung is truly a humble and excellent person."

Now, Lee Hyun-jung is set to challenge an even bigger stage. Having left Nagasaki this summer, he participated in the NBA Summer League and has agreed to an Exhibit 10 contract with the Portland Trail Blazers for the 2026–2027 season. Depending on his future performance, there remains a possibility of stepping onto the long-awaited NBA stage.

Although his life in Japan has ended, the affection from Japanese fans remains unchanged. They sincerely hope Lee Hyun-jung will thrive in the NBA. One Japanese fan expressed support by saying, "I hope Lee Hyun-jung secures an official NBA contract."

Praise for Lee Hyun-jung did not come only from fans.

Kaneshika Ren (Chiba Jets), the ace of the Japanese national team, also found lessons to learn from Lee Hyun-jung's play. Although Kaneshika recorded 13 points and six rebounds, including three three-pointers in the final, he ultimately could not overcome South Korea or Lee Hyun-jung.

According to the Japanese basketball specialty media Basketball King, Kaneshika expressed regret: "I had opportunities to drive, but South Korea's defense was too strong for me to make proper decisions. If a player can score in various patterns, it becomes more difficult for opponents. I need to become such a player."

He then mentioned Lee Hyun-jung's name.

Kaneshika evaluated, "Lee Hyun-jung can score in multiple ways both off-ball and on-ball, and he also draws many free throws."

He continued, "Watching Lee Hyun-jung's play made me realize that I need to develop not only my three-point shooting but also other strengths."

Kaneshika was also impressed by Lee Hyun-jung's active involvement in rebounding. He explained, "He actively participates in rebounds. I felt it is necessary to create the rhythm of the game through plays where he throws his body into action."

Basketball King reported that "Kaneshika decided to learn from a rival," noting that "the ace of the South Korean national team who directly matched up with him at the same position was none other than Lee Hyun-jung."

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*This content was translated by AI.