Lee Hyun-joong's departure path has completely changed! Surrounded by fans filling the airport, he said, "It feels less real than even a smiley face emoji; without you all, I wouldn't be here"... He provided fan service until the very last moment before heading to the U.S. [Incheon Field Report]

*This content was translated by AI.

"It feels less real than when I won the gold medal."

Many fans visited Incheon International Airport to see off Lee Hyun-joong (Portland), who is embarking on a new challenge toward the NBA stage. This was a scene vastly different from his previous departures, which were relatively quiet. Lee Hyun-joong also conveyed sincere gratitude for the attention and support poured upon him.

Lee Hyun-joong departed for the United States through Incheon International Airport on the 26th. He will join the Portland training camp to compete for a spot on the official NBA roster.

On this day, many fans gathered at the departure hall early. Fans wearing basketball-related merchandise or carrying items related to Lee Hyun-joong were noticeable. Some fans even prepared gifts for Lee Hyun-joong.

Fans waited for Lee Hyun-joong at the airport from an early hour. As soon as Lee Hyun-joong appeared, they took photos and called his name, cheering on his new challenge.

It was a scene that made it clear how much interest in Lee Hyun-joong has grown recently.

Lee Hyun-joong himself could not hide his surprise at the large number of fans who gathered, more than expected.

He said, "Wherever I am or whatever performance I give, I am always grateful that you send me so much attention and love."

Continuing, he added, "It feels unreal. It seems even less real than when I won the gold medal. I didn't expect to receive this much attention. Thank you very much," expressing his sincere feelings.

He then emphasized, "I just worked hard at what I love doing. But I know well how difficult it is for people to keep coming out like family. I want to tell each and every one of you that I am so grateful."

Lee Hyun-joong's mother, who was also present at the departure scene, is Sung Jeong-a, a legend in Korean women's basketball and an executive director of the Korea Basketball Association. She could not hide her surprise seeing the crowd of fans. She then conveyed her gratitude to the fans who gave great support to her son.

Through this Asian Games, Lee Hyun-joong's status has risen even higher.

Lee Hyun-joong led the Korean men's basketball team to its first gold medal in 12 years at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.

South Korea defeated host nation Japan 67-57 in the final held at the Aichi International Arena in Nagoya, Japan, on the 20th.

In particular, Lee Hyun-joong played a key role in the most important final match, recording 27 points and 18 rebounds, including five three-pointers. He firmly established his presence as the main figure leading South Korea to the gold medal.

However, Lee Hyun-joong emphasized that even the gold medal was not achieved by his strength alone.

He said, "There were players who made many sacrifices within the team, and there is a coach who has gone through difficult times. I want to share this glory with the fans as well."

He continued, "I must say this clearly: Without them, I would not exist. I do not think of this challenge as my own alone. I believe I am challenging for the Republic of Korea Seon Su-deul-eul (CEO). It feels like I have received good energy," expressing his gratitude.

It was also a time without any breathing room for Lee Hyun-joong.

After experiencing a championship with Nagasaki Velca in Japan's B League, he participated in the NBA Summer League and immediately joined the national team to win an Asian Games gold medal.

And before he could savor the joy of the gold medal for long, he is heading back to the United States.

Although his body might be tired from the continuous grueling schedule, a smile spread across Lee Hyun-joong's face instead.

He said, "On the contrary, I am grateful for this moment. I was able to continue doing what I love without stopping, and it is an honor to be able to play for Na Ra-reul (CEO)."

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

This summer, Lee Hyun-joong signed an Exhibit 10 contract with Portland. After arriving on site and undergoing medical tests, he will join the training camp and begin a fierce competition for survival.

The ultimate goal is clear: to debut in the NBA and consistently perform in the major leagues.

He was not carried away by the increased attention directed at him.

Lee Hyun-joong said, "I think I need to be even more humble at a time like this," and did not take the interest in himself for granted.

He also stated, "Winning at the Asian Games does not mean it is over. It is a position where we must start from the bottom again." He emphasized, "I will prepare with the mindset of starting all over from the beginning."

Even just before leaving for the United States, Lee Hyun-joong's gaze was directed toward the fans.

Although departure time was approaching, he did not leave immediately. He responded individually to fans' requests for photos who had come all the way to the airport to see him, took commemorative photos together, and spent time with fans asking for autographs.

Only after continuing fan service until the very last moment did Lee Hyun-joong make his way to the departure gate.

Along with this, Lee Hyun-joong said, "Of course, challenging the U.S. stage was not an easy decision," but added, "I am also starting by letting go of everything. I will strive to challenge again more humbly without losing my original intention so that I can reach my goal."

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*This content was translated by AI.