"Summer Touched by Emotion Thanks to Kim Yeon-kyung"… Praise for Korean Team's 'True Passion'

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Seoyoung] As the 2020 Tokyo Olympics come to a close, support continues to pour in for the South Korean national athletes who truly enjoyed the competition regardless of winning or losing.

The South Korean women's volleyball team finished in 4th place after losing to Serbia in the bronze medal match today (the 8th). Although they did not win a medal, they had previously experienced thrilling victories in fierce battles against Japan and Turkey. The public praised not only the achievement of reaching the semifinals but also the players' attitude of never giving up and competing until the very end.

On the 8th, at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan, the bronze medal match of the Tokyo Olympics women's volleyball between South Korea and Serbia took place. The South Korean team, having lost 0-3, is taking a final commemorative photo.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

Kim Yeon-koung, who led the volleyball team, was at the center of this whirlwind. After the semifinal match, when asked if she planned to compete in the Paris Olympics, which is only three years away, Kim expressed a cautious stance. She said, "Today is practically my last game as a national team player," adding, "The meaning of being on the national team was so heavy that it was hard even to talk about," and urged, "I hope the juniors work hard and continue to show great performances."

Kim Yeon-koung has been active on the South Korean women's volleyball team for 16 years since she was 17 in 2005. Netizens responded to her interview with comments such as, "Thanks to Kim Yeon-koung, we had a heartwarming time," "Thank you for giving us a dream-like summer," and "You have truly worked hard all this time."

Additionally, various social networking services (SNS) saw volleyball-related terms trending in real time, reflecting a growing interest in domestic women's volleyball. Previously, the sport had been in a slump due to controversies such as school violence allegations involving some players. However, there are expectations that the overall atmosphere of the volleyball league will revive through this Olympics.

Tokyo Olympics men's high jump athlete Woo Sang-hyeok cheers after clearing the 2.35m bar, a new Korean record, in the final held at Tokyo Olympic Stadium on the 1st.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

One athlete who left a mark with positive energy was track and field athlete Woo Sang-hyeok. Woo placed 4th in the men's high jump final by clearing 2.35 meters. This was the highest ranking ever achieved in Korean track and field history and a new national record in high jump. More than anything, Woo impressed the public by enjoying the competition with a bright expression throughout. After the event, he conveyed a passionate message, saying, "If I challenge again, joy will come."

In badminton, a match between Korean representatives drew attention. The women's doubles pair Lee So-hee and Shin Seung-chan lost to their teammates Kim So-young and Gong Hee-yong in the bronze medal match, finishing 4th. After the match, the players shed tears, comforting and congratulating each other. Lee So-hee and Shin Seung-chan sincerely congratulated Kim So-young and Gong Hee-yong, demonstrating the spirit of fair play on the Olympic stage.

This Olympics also saw remarkable performances by Korean athletes in new events. Woo Haram, who competed in diving, placed 4th in the men's 3m springboard, marking the highest Olympic ranking in Korean diving history. In modern pentathlon, Jeon Woong-tae and Jung Jin-hwa achieved impressive results, finishing 3rd and 4th respectively. After the competition, they embraced and encouraged each other, delivering a touching moment.

Besides these, the efforts of the athletes shone in various sports such as archery, shooting, weightlifting, table tennis, fencing, golf, and marathon. The passion of those who gave their best in competition provided great comfort to the public regardless of medal colors. Amid the ongoing disruption of daily life due to COVID-19, what our athletes conveyed on the Olympic stage was none other than hope.

On the 7th, at Yokohama Stadium in Japan, the bronze medal game of the Tokyo Olympics baseball tournament against the Dominican Republic took place. The Korean players, who lost 6-10, are showing disappointed expressions.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

However, some sports ended on a bitter note. On the 7th, the South Korean baseball team lost to the Dominican Republic in the bronze medal match held at Yokohama Stadium in Japan, finishing 4th among six teams. The Korean team made a dramatic comeback in the bottom of the 5th inning to lead 6-5, but in the top of the 8th inning, they allowed five consecutive runs to the Dominican Republic, resulting in a 6-10 reversal.

Some players on the baseball team showed fighting spirit and notable plays. However, the team's overall offense and the manager's game management did not sufficiently support these strengths. Consequently, public opinion surrounding the baseball team has significantly worsened. Netizens expressed critical reactions such as, "Baseball was the only sport I couldn't cheer for during this Olympics," "Domestic baseball fans' hearts have long since left," and "How long will we remain intoxicated by past glories?"

Meanwhile, prior to the Olympics, it was revealed that some players in the KBO League violated COVID-19 prevention rules by holding drinking gatherings, causing controversy. As a result, players such as Park Min-woo and Han Hyun-hee, who had been selected for the national team at the time, resigned from their national team positions.