[Video] "Korean Players Fought Well" Baseball Korea-Japan Match, Reactions from Korean and Japanese Netizens

[Asia Economy Reporters Seunggon Han, PD Jingeun Yoon] "Since you lost to Japan, swim back." , "Do Korean players get military exemption?"

On the 4th, the Korean national baseball team lost 2-5 in the semifinals against Japan. On that day, Japan performed fiercely, scoring 3 runs with a double by Yamata Tetsuto (Yakult Swallows) in the bottom of the 8th inning with two outs and bases loaded. Ultimately, Korea narrowly lost to Japan, and various reactions from Korean netizens and Japanese internet users followed.

There were also Japanese netizens who highly evaluated the skills of our players. One netizen said, "The Korea-Japan match is a difference of about a sheet of paper (a narrow margin)," adding, "You can't say for sure that they will win if they fight again. (Korea) shows mysterious power against Japan, so it might be better to face the United States."

Another netizen commented, "Korean players fought well," and added, "It's unfortunate, but I hope this game is remembered as a joyful match rather than a defeat."

There was also criticism about the Olympic baseball operation method. One netizen said, "Only six countries participating is fewer than a neighborhood competition," and "Since only six countries participate from the start, it's natural for this to be excluded from the Olympics."

There were opinions supporting the Korean players as well. One netizen wrote, "Anyway, all Korean pitchers threw very well," and added, "When in Japan, players who can be closers came out one after another."

Also, some netizens were curious about the fact that military enlistment is exempted if a medal is won in Korea. One netizen wrote, "In another game, the announcer said, '(If Korean players) beat Japan, something is exempted,' but is that also the case if they beat the United States or other countries? Or is it only applicable to Japan?"

Korean netizens also showed various reactions. First, there were harsh comments such as "Since you lost to Japan, swim back." One netizen posted "[Breaking news] The return route of the Korean team revealed," uploading the old maritime route (Japan→Busan) used by the Joseon Tongsinsa envoys in the past.

There were also reactions expressing surprise, such as "Why do they keep giving chances even if (those players) lose again and again," "No matter how many times they lose, the game doesn't end. I'm jealous," and "Even if they lose today (the 4th), there is a chance for exemption."

Additionally, there were criticisms like "If you win only once out of three baseball games, you get military exemption," and "If you win a baseball gold medal, you should pay pensions with taxes, but since that's not the case, it's rather fortunate."