'Hwang Jung-eum's Ex-Boyfriend' Kim Jong-gyu: "I Completely Vent My Stress Alone" — A Satisfying Blow [Star Issue]

*This content was translated by AI.

The men's basketball match between South Korea and Japan at the '2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games', broadcast by KBS 1TV, achieved a national viewership rating of 1.9% (Nielsen Korea, nationwide), securing the top spot for all Korea-Japan matches aired that day.

On the 13th (Sunday), the final Group A preliminary match of the '2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games' men's basketball tournament was held at the Aichi International Gymnasium in Japan. From 6:40 p.m., KBS broadcast the Korea-Japan game live on its 1TV channel with caster Lee Young-ho, commentators Kim Jong-gyu and Son Dae-beom, and reporter Won Seok-yeon. The match drew a national viewership rating of 1.9% for KBS, outperforming MBC (1.8%) and SBS (1.5%), which also broadcast the game at the same time slot.

Before the game began, Kim Jong-gyu, a current player, recalled past Korea-Japan matches he had played in. He said, "I played with the resolve that if we lost to Japan, I couldn't return to Korea. It was around Liberation Day back then, and fortunately, I was able to come back." Reflecting on his intense mindset during those games, he expressed empathy for today's players. The vivid instincts of current player Kim Jong-gyu, the precision of 'Basketball Expert' Son Dae-beom, and the clear explanations by caster Lee Young-ho received widespread praise from viewers. In addition, reporter Won Seok-yeon's extensive real-time tactical analysis enhanced accessibility to and understanding of the game.

On this day, South Korea's Nam Ja-nong-gu (CEO) team defeated Japan 100-83, finishing with three straight wins and securing first place in Group A. Facing Japan's "young blood" national team, South Korea held a narrow lead of 19-17 after the first quarter. In the second quarter, however, they allowed Japan to catch up, ending the first half trailing by two points at 40-42. Both teams maintained intense tension by repeatedly trading leads without yielding an inch. With ace player Lee Hyun-jung expected to shine, caster Lee Young-ho remarked, "Japanese player Kawashima openly said he 'admires' Lee Hyun-jung," expressing surprise at Lee Hyun-jung's game control.

South Korea began pushing for victory starting in the third quarter. After taking early momentum with a successful layup by Lee Jeong-hyun, he exploded with two three-pointers near the end of the third quarter to reclaim the lead and build a five-point advantage at 71-66. Commentator Kim Jong-gyu, reacting to Lee Jeong-hyun's performance, exclaimed, "He should appear on 'The Great Inheritance.' Does he always deliver such performances against Japan? Today, he is a patriot. He's completely venting his stress alone." Lee Jeong-hyun's brilliance shone even brighter in the fourth quarter. He scored 25 points, the team's highest total, including five three-pointers. Near the end of the game, Moon Yu-hyun delivered a cinematic buzzer-beating three-pointer, helping South Korea reach exactly 100 points and secure a decisive 17-point victory with a final score of 100-83. Commentator Son Dae-beom praised the team's unity: "This is what 'one team' means. No one relies on a single player; when someone struggles, another steps up immediately."

Regarding South Korea's advancement to the quarterfinals with the satisfying score of 100 points, caster Lee Young-ho celebrated, "They defeated their eternal rival Japan at home and finished Group A as the top seed for the tournament. Since this was a victory on Japanese soil, it carries even greater significance." Commentator Kim Jong-gyu added, "Actually, when you get hit by such shots, opponents often say 'their taste is gone,' " praising Moon Yu-hyun's clutch buzzer-beater.

As the top seed in Group A of the '2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games', South Korea's men's basketball team will face their quarterfinal match on September 16.

Kim Jong-gyu drew attention last year in 2024 when he announced his breakup with actress Hwang Jung-eum just two weeks after publicly confirming their relationship. At the time, Hwang Jung-eum's agency, WY Entertainment, stated, "Actress Hwang Jung-eum has decided to remain on good terms as a friend with someone she was cautiously getting to know due to mutual interest. We cannot provide further details and ask for your understanding."

The two parted ways just two weeks after confirming their relationship. It appears that the ongoing divorce proceedings involving Hwang Jung-eum may have made the public attention burdensome.

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 that crisis, they reunited the following July and welcomed their second son.

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" with cumulative earnings reaching 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.