[On-Site Interview] "From AG Gold Medal → Straight to the U.S." Lee Hyun-jung, an unceasing challenge... "Do you find it hard? On the contrary, I'm grateful. My ultimate goal is the NBA"

*This content was translated by AI.

There was no time to fully savor the joy of winning the Asian Games gold medal. Lee Hyun-jung (Portland), a key star of South Korean men's basketball, has departed for the U.S. again toward an even bigger dream.

Lee Hyun-jung departed for the United States through Incheon International Airport on the 26th. Upon arrival at his destination, he will undergo medical testing and is scheduled to join the training camp starting on the 29th.

Ahead of his departure, Lee Hyun-jung met with reporters and said, "Winning at the Asian Games does not mean it's over. I am in a position where I must start from the bottom again." He added, "I think I just need to show myself as if starting from scratch."

Led by coach Nicolas Mazulis of Latvia, South Korea defeated host nation Japan 67-57 in the men's basketball final at the 2026 Aichi·Nagoya Asian Games held on the 20th at the Aichi International Arena in Nagoya, Japan.

South Korea claimed its gold medal for the first time since the 2014 Incheon tournament, marking a 12-year gap. This was their fifth overall Asian Games title and the first time they topped the podium at an overseas tournament since the 1982 New Delhi Games, 44 years later.

Lee Hyun-jung delivered outstanding performances throughout the tournament. In the final against Japan, he scored 27 points, including five three-pointers, and grabbed 18 rebounds to lead South Korea to victory.

After returning home with the gold medal, Lee Hyun-jung took a brief rest. He said, "After the Asian Games ended, I spent a lot of time with my family and friends. My body felt a bit tired, so I even came down with a fever and focused on recovery."

However, he did not become intoxicated by the gold medal. Lee Hyun-jung stated, "I don't think we can call this our golden era or golden generation yet. Of course, we won at the Asian Games, and women's basketball and 3x3 basketball have also achieved good results, but to truly be called a golden generation, we must dominate on the world stage."

He continued, "While I appreciate the recognition and attention, it feels excessive. To be honest, there is still much that we need to demonstrate."

Lee Hyun-jung continues to aim higher.

The ultimate goal of this trip to the U.S. is clear: the NBA.

Portland had signed Lee Hyun-jung to an Exhibit 10 contract ahead of this Asian Games. The Exhibit 10 deal is a one-year non-guaranteed contract, and Lee Hyun-jung will challenge for a spot on the official NBA roster through the training camp.

Lee Hyun-jung said, "My goal is to stay in the U.S. for as long as possible. I have many other goals as well. First, I want to show my true self as much as possible during the training camp. Rather than thinking too far ahead, I want to do my best every day and every moment."

There were also numerous offers directed at Lee Hyun-jung. According to his agency, Epic Sports, Lee Hyun-jung received interest from multiple domestic and foreign teams this off-season, including the Boston Celtics FCs and Nagasaki Velca (Japan). In particular, it is reported that his former team, Nagasaki, offered substantial terms to retain him.

However, Lee Hyun-jung chose the U.S. He explained, "This was the easiest decision I've ever made in my life. I wanted to play basketball in the U.S., so I have nurtured the dream of challenging overseas. While I am truly grateful for the interest shown by Japanese teams, my ultimate goal is to become an NBA player."

He added, "By not paying attention to external factors and focusing only on my own thoughts, the decision was made more easily."

This year has been unusually busy. After leading Nagasaki to its inaugural championship last season, he participated in the NBA Summer League, followed by leading South Korea to its first gold medal in 12 years at the Asian Games. Now, he is immediately challenging the U.S. stage again.

Although his body might be tired, a smile spread across Lee Hyun-jung's face. He said, "On the contrary, I am grateful for this moment. It is an honor that I can continue doing what I love without stopping and Na Ra-reul (CEO)playing."

He continued, "I once had to rest for a long time due to an injury. Thinking back on that time, I know that while being this busy may be physically tough, it is such a great blessing and something to be grateful for. So, I don't really feel it's hard." He smiled.

Many basketball fans visited the airport that day to support Lee Hyun-jung's new challenge. Lee Hyun-jung said, "It still doesn't feel real. It feels even less real than when I won the gold medal. I truly didn't expect to receive so much attention. I am very grateful."

He added, "I'm just working hard at what I love, but fans keep coming like family. I want to thank each and every one of you."

Despite the heightened attention, he has no intention of getting carried away. Lee Hyun-jung said, "It truly feels excessive. I think we should be even more humble at times like this. My life has been like a roller coaster, with ups and downs. No matter the situation, I will maintain the same mindset and remain grateful."

He did not mind negative perspectives from some quarters. He said, "I hope people do not give up on challenges because of others' opinions. I have heard many times that 'it won't work.' But if you focus on those who dislike you, you cannot focus on your own life."

He then added firmly, "Even now, even if someone says it won't work, it doesn't matter. It might not work, or it might. But I am doing this because I want to."

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*This content was translated by AI.