'Hwang Jung-eum Breakup' Kim Jong-gyu to Commentate on Asian Games Korea-Japan Match..Aiming for No. 1 in Ratings [Star Issue]

*This content was translated by AI.

Former basketball player Kim Jong-gyu will join the broadcast of the Republic of Korea men's national basketball team's match against Japan, as the team continues its winning streak with two consecutive victories in the preliminary round.

KBS 1TV will air a live broadcast on the 13th of the Group A preliminary match between South Korea and Japan at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. Leading this broadcast will be KBS announcer Lee Young-ho, joined by commentator Kim Jong-gyu, a 'current star big man' who successfully made his debut as a commentator in this tournament, and commentator Son Dae-beom, known as the 'scholar of basketball.' The trio will once again team up to deliver premium commentary.

Kim Jong-gyu's sharp analysis, reflecting his experience as an active player, blends with Son Dae-beom's extensive knowledge of basketball, allowing him to explain the game in an accessible manner. Their combined efforts resulted in a deeply engaging broadcast that secured the No. 1 rating on the 11th during the match against Indonesia, earning praise from viewers.

The preview for the final Group A preliminary match between South Korea and Japan at the '2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games,' released by KBS, parodied the opening theme of the popular basketball anime film 'The First Slam Dunk.' The dynamic presence of the national team's five key players (Lee Hyun-jung, Lee Jung-hyun, Lee Woo-seok, Yeo Jun-seok, and Lee Seung-hyun) was cleverly captured as if they were the protagonists in the movie. Ace player Lee Hyun-jung boldly declared, "Whether it's Japan or any other country, we will win unconditionally," raising expectations to the highest level for the spectacular court battle that Korea's golden generation of basketball players will showcase.

Kim Jong-gyu drew attention in 2024 when news broke that he had ended his public relationship with actress Hwang Jung-eum just two weeks after they confirmed their romance. At the time, Hwang Jung-eum's agency, W1 Entertainment, stated, "Actress Hwang Jung-eum has decided to remain on good terms as friends with someone she was cautiously getting to know due to mutual interest," adding, "We kindly ask for your understanding that we cannot provide further details."

The two parted ways just two weeks after confirming their relationship. It appears the attention surrounding them became burdensome, especially since Hwang Jung-eum is currently involved in divorce proceedings.

Hwang Jung-eum married golfer Lee Young-don in 2016 but faced a marital crisis in September 2020 when she filed for divorce mediation at the court. However, after overcoming this challenge, they reconciled in July of the following year and welcomed their second son into the family.

Kim Jong-gyu joined Changwon LG in 2013. He moved to Wonju DB Promy in 2019 and signed a contract renewal this year. Known as one of basketball's 'young and rich,' his cumulative salary has reached 5 billion won. He has competed in the 2011 FIBA Asia Championship for Men, the 2019 Basketball World Cup, and the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games.

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*This content was translated by AI.