Veteran Park Sang-hyun ties for 4th on opening day of Shinhan Donghae Open

Veteran golfer Park Sang-hyun tied for fourth place, one stroke off the lead, after the opening round of the 42nd Shinhan Donghae Open, jointly organized by the Korean PGA and Japan Golf Tour. Park carded five birdies against one bogey for a 4-under-par 68 on the Urban and Links Course at Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea in Songdo, Incheon, a par-72, 7,502-yard layout, on Thursday. He shared fourth place with Jang Yu-bin, Park Eun-shin, Jeon Jae-han, Jeong Han-mil and Oh Seung-taek. The first-round lead belonged entirely to Japanese players — Aguri Iwasaki, Daichiro Ideriha and Yujiro Ohori all shot 5-under-par 67s. Starting from the 10th hole, Park picked up two birdies and one bogey on his front nine before adding three more birdies on the back nine to move into contention. A birdie on the fifth hole, a par-3, was followed by consecutive birdies on the final two holes, the eighth and ninth, lifting him into a share of fourth place. Park, 43 this year, has won 16 times across the Korean (14 wins) and Japanese (two wins) tours and sits atop the KPGA Tour's all-time career earnings list. Since joining the KPGA Tour in 2005, Park has become known for his consistency and self-discipline, becoming the first player in tour history to surpass 5 billion won ($3.74 million) in career earnings and now closing in on the 6 billion won mark. Park has previously won at Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea, the venue for this year's tournament. In 2023, he claimed a dramatic come-from-behind victory at the Genesis Championship, defeating Im Sung-jae and Bae Yong-jun in a playoff. He also has fond memories of a wire-to-wire win at the 34th Shinhan Donghae Open, held at Bears Best Cheongna in 2018. "My iron shots felt sharp overall today, and that created a lot of birdie chances," Park said after his round. "My putting was not as good as I expected going into the back nine, but I fortunately found my touch again late in the round and finished well with back-to-back birdies." "This course strangely seems to suit me well," Park added. "The fairways are a bit soft, so my drives do not go as far, which means I often have to attack the greens with mid- or long irons. That is why I focused on sharpening my iron play ahead of this tournament, and it paid off today, giving me plenty of good chances." Jang Yu-bin also opened with a 4-under card, piling up eight birdies against two bogeys and a double bogey to share fourth place. Starting from the 10th hole, Jang picked up four birdies through the 17th hole but hit his tee shot into the water on the par-5 18th for a double bogey. He recovered with three straight birdies on the first through third holes and added four more on the back nine. Jang, who already has two wins this season, said, "I am satisfied with how I finished the first round, so I am looking forward to the rest of the tournament. On this course, avoiding bogeys matters more than piling up birdies. I want to play safely hole by hole while still being aggressive when I need to be. Since this tournament is hosted by our title sponsor, I really want to finish with a strong result." Kim Seong-hyun and Moon Do-yeop, both named to the national team for the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, each shot 3-under-par 69s to share 10th place. They were joined by Song Young-han, Hwang Jung-gon, Park Il-hwan, Kim Baek-jun, Kim Bi-o, Lee Tae-hoon of Canada and national team member Yu Min-hyeok. The tournament carries a purse of 1.5 billion won, with 300 million won going to the winner, who will also earn a five-year exemption on the KPGA Tour and a two-year exemption on the Japan Golf Tour.

Sept. 10, 2026

Jang Yu-bin chases third KPGA win of season, sits near lead at Shinhan Donghae Open

Eight birdies overshadowed by a costly double bogey on the 18th hole 'I feel like I can play better tomorrow' Trails leaders Aguri Iwasaki and Daichiro Idehara of Japan by 1 stroke Jang Yu-bin took a strong first step toward his third KPGA Tour win of the season. Jang shot a 4-under 68 in the first round of the 42nd Shinhan Donghae Open on Thursday, carding eight birdies against one double bogey and two bogeys. The tournament, which carries a purse of 1.5 billion won ($1.12 million), is being held at the Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea Urban & Links Course (par 72) in Incheon. As of 5 p.m., Jang finished the opening day tied for third, 1 stroke behind co-leaders Aguri Iwasaki and Daichiro Idehara of Japan, who each shot 5-under 67. Jang, who won back-to-back titles at the KPGA Classic and the Hana Bank Invitational in June, has set himself up for a third victory this season. Starting from the 10th hole, Jang built momentum with four birdies through the 17th. But a wayward tee shot into the water on the par-5 18th hole led to a double bogey to close out his front nine. On the back nine, he added four more birdies, including three in a row from the first to third holes. He then dropped a stroke each on the par-3 fifth and par-4 ninth holes. "There was a strong headwind right before my tee shot on the 18th, and even though I accounted for it, I still made a mistake," Jang said. "I made a lot of mistakes today, so there is some disappointment, but I feel like I can play better tomorrow than I did today." Veteran Park Sang-hyun, a 16-time KPGA Tour winner, also shot a 4-under 68, matching Jang and Park Eun-shin, after limiting himself to just one bogey against five birdies. "My irons felt good today, so I created a lot of birdie chances," Park said. "I practiced my iron shots a lot ahead of this tournament, and if my putting comes together, I think I can get a good result," he added confidently. The winner of this tournament will earn a five-year exemption on the KPGA Tour, along with a two-year exemption on the Japan Golf Tour Organization, which co-sanctions the event.

Sept. 10, 2026

Sadaharu Oh mourns longtime friend, former teammate Isao Harimoto

'Sorry I could not say a final goodbye' 'His all-around hitting technique was better than mine' Friends since age 18, families close too Sadaharu Oh, the legendary Japanese home run hitter and chairman of the board of Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks Co., mourned the death of his longtime friend and former teammate Isao Harimoto, wishing him eternal rest. "It happened so suddenly. I had a chance to see him from time to time, but I never sensed that his health was failing," Oh said, unable to hide his shock at the sudden news. The Japan Professional Baseball Meikyukai, an association of the sport's elite hitters and pitchers, announced Thursday that Harimoto died Wednesday at age 86. He held the all-time Japanese professional baseball record of 3,085 hits. Reflecting on his former teammate's playing days in a local interview after hearing the news, Oh said, "He was the same age as me, and we played hard together. He posted excellent numbers from the start, even winning rookie of the year in his debut season." "He is the only player to have surpassed 3,000 hits," Oh added, recalling Harimoto from the perspective of a longtime colleague. "I felt his stubbornness, so to speak — a fierce competitive drive that hated to lose." Harimoto, who played for the Toei Flyers, won his seventh individual batting title in 1974 before being traded to the Yomiuri Giants after the 1975 season. There, he and Sadaharu Oh formed what became known as the "O-H" batting duo. In 1978, he recorded his 16th career season with a batting average above .300, the most in Japanese professional baseball history. Over his playing career, Harimoto won seven batting titles, made the Best Nine 16 times and was named Most Valuable Player once. He appeared in 2,752 career games, batting .319 with 3,085 hits, 504 home runs, 319 stolen bases and a .534 slugging percentage. He was inducted into the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame in 1990 and went on to become a hugely popular baseball commentator after retiring. Oh also reflected on Harimoto's hitting technique during his playing days. "I was a pull hitter, but he could send the ball in every direction. Technically, I think what he did was harder than what I did," Oh said. "It was as if he took the ball off the face of the bat and simply sent it back where it came from. Above all, he won the batting title seven times. And his record of 3,000 hits still shines." Off the field, Oh and Harimoto, who were the same age, shared a friendship that went beyond being teammates. Harimoto had said during his lifetime, "We have known each other since I was 18. It has been a very deep and long relationship." The two frequently shared meals and drinks in their younger years, and later in life continued to visit the same favorite bar in Ginza together, according to reports. The Sports Nippon newspaper reported that their families were close as well. Oh also praised Harimoto's broadcasting career. "He was active on TV for a long time, and he was popular there too. He said things others could not easily say," Oh said. "Serving as the face of a TV program for so many years is a remarkable achievement — something I could never have done myself." After retiring as a player, Harimoto worked as a commentator for Japanese broadcaster TBS from 1982 to 2006, more than 20 years. He was also a regular panelist on the network's news and sports program "Sunday Morning" from 1999 to 2021, also more than 20 years, becoming a popular and outspoken commentator known for his sharp tongue. "I am sorry I could not say a final goodbye to him. I hope he has gone to heaven with his head held high," Oh said, offering his condolences for the late Harimoto.

Sept. 10, 2026

Lee Seung-yeop, heir to Yomiuri's No. 4 hitter lineage, mourns Jang Hoon as 'legend and reliable sunbae'

Lee Seung-yeop, 49, the Yomiuri Giants hitting coach who inherited the Japanese team's No. 4 hitter lineage, posted a tribute to the late baseball commentator Jang Hoon. Lee wrote on his Instagram account Thursday, "I will long remember my sunbae's encouragement to keep a strong heart during my time playing in Japan, and the warmth with which he looked after his junior." "Jang Hoon sunbae, who racked up 3,085 hits over his career, was a legend and a reliable sunbae to Korean baseball," Lee added. "May he rest in peace." Jang Hoon and Lee share a connection through Yomiuri's line of No. 4 hitters. Jang Hoon was the team's 39th No. 4 hitter, while Lee took on the role as the club's 70th No. 4 hitter after transferring to Yomiuri in 2006. Jang Hoon reportedly offered generous advice on hitting and mindset to the junior player as he took on the challenge of an unfamiliar stage. Also served as special adviser to KBO commissioner Meanwhile, Jang Hoon died Wednesday at age 86. The Meikyukai, an organization of current and former Nippon Professional Baseball players, said Thursday that Jang Hoon died Wednesday morning at a hospital in Tokyo, Yonhap reported. Jang Hoon was born in 1940 in Hiroshima, Japan, as a second-generation ethnic Korean resident of Japan. From 1959 to 1981, he starred as a left-handed-throwing, left-handed-hitting left fielder in Japanese professional baseball. He debuted with Toei, the predecessor of the Nippon-Ham Fighters, and went on to wear the uniforms of Nippon-Ham, the Yomiuri Giants and the Lotte Orions, finishing with 3,085 hits — the most in NPB history. He remains the only player to have topped 3,000 hits while playing exclusively in NPB. That total is nearly 100 hits ahead of Katsuya Nomura, who ranks second with 2,901. After retiring, Jang Hoon spent more than 20 years as a commentator for Japan's TBS television network, from 1982 to 2006. Jang Hoon also maintained active ties with Korean professional baseball and Korea's sports community. From 1982, when Korean professional baseball launched, until 2005, he served as a special adviser to the commissioner of the Korea Baseball Organization. In 2007, he received South Korea's Mugunghwa Order of Civil Merit.

Sept. 10, 2026

Korea Racing Authority sends W50m to Nepal flood relief

The Korea Racing Authority said Thursday it had delivered 50 million won ($37,400) in emergency relief funds to the Korean Red Cross to support Nepal, which has suffered widespread damage from massive flooding and landslides. According to the authority, the funds will be channeled through the Korean Red Cross to Nepalese residents who lost their homes to the flooding and landslides. The money will go toward emergency relief supplies such as food, drinking water and hygiene products, as well as recovery efforts in the affected areas. "I want to convey my deepest sympathies to the people of Nepal, who are going through great sorrow and hardship because of this sudden natural disaster," said Woo Hee-jong, chairperson of the Korea Racing Authority. "I hope that this small gesture from the Korea Racing Authority can help, even in a small way, the residents of the affected areas return to their daily lives as soon as possible." The Korea Racing Authority has been fulfilling its social responsibility as a public institution by supporting recovery efforts and helping displaced residents return to normal life whenever disasters strike. The authority arranged this latest donation to offer comfort to the people of Nepal amid the large-scale natural disaster and to join in humanitarian solidarity. Earlier, the authority's Yeongnam regional headquarters delivered 10 million won in donations last month to support recovery efforts and displaced residents following heavy rains that struck South Gyeongsang Province.

Sept. 10, 2026

KIA's Kim Do-young undergoes surgery for broken nose after being hit by batted ball

KIA Tigers star hitter Kim Do-young underwent surgery after being struck in the face by a batted ball during a game, breaking his nose. The KIA club said Thursday that Kim underwent nasal bone fracture reduction surgery at a hospital designated by the club on Wednesday night. He is expected to be discharged Friday after a brief hospital stay, according to Yonhap. Nasal bone fracture reduction surgery is a procedure that repositions a broken nose bone. Recovery time can vary depending on the patient's condition and the severity of the injury. "We will decide on Kim's return timeline after monitoring his recovery," a club official said. The official added, "For now, we do not plan to remove him from the first-team roster. We will decide when he can resume technical training after he is discharged and we see how his recovery is going." Kim was hit in the face by a batted ball on Wednesday while attempting a bunt during a 2026 Shinhan SOL Bank KBO League game against the NC Dinos at Gwangju-Kia Champions Field. With no outs and a runner on first in the bottom of the fourth inning, Kim attempted a surprise bunt on the first pitch from NC pitcher Song Myung-gi. The pitch was a 148-kilometer-per-hour fastball. The ball glanced off his bat and struck him directly in the face. Unable to continue at the plate, Kim kicked in frustration before being replaced by pinch hitter Park Min. Kim was then taken to the club's designated hospital, where he underwent X-ray and computed tomography scans. Kim has batted .306 with 40 home runs, 99 RBIs and 10 stolen bases in 122 games this season, an MVP-caliber performance for the regular season. Kim was also selected for the national baseball team competing in the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games under manager Ryu Ji-hyun. He is set to join the team Monday before departing for Nagoya, Japan, on Sept. 17. Kim has reportedly expressed his determination to compete in the Asian Games despite the injury. 'Checking doctors' assessment is the first step for Kim' The Korea Baseball Organization's National Team Committee plans to decide whether to replace Kim on the Asian Games roster based on the medical diagnosis of his broken nose. "At this point, a replacement on the Asian Games roster is only possible if an existing player is injured," Cho Kye-hyun, head of the National Team Committee, said in a phone call with Yonhap on Thursday. "A replacement is decided by the committee based on the medical diagnosis and assessment, not the player's own wishes. Checking the doctors' assessment is the first step for Kim." The national baseball team will play Taiwan in Group B preliminaries on Sept. 21, Hong Kong on Sept. 22 and Thailand on Sept. 23. The team will then advance to the Super Round from Sept. 25 to Sept. 26 before playing for medals on Sept. 27. Depending on the severity of Kim's injury, the South Korean team's overall strength could also be affected. The national team's current infield consists of seven players: Kim, Moon Bo-gyeong (LG Twins), Noh Si-hwan (Hanwha Eagles) and Jeong Jun-jae (SSG Landers). The group also includes Lee Jae-hyun (Samsung Lions), Kim Ju-won (NC Dinos) and Park Joon-soon (Doosan Bears). Of these, only Kim, Moon and Noh can play third base. However, Moon has recently been unable to play a normal schedule of KBO League games due to back pain. That leaves Noh as essentially the only other option at third base, but doing so would leave the team without a natural first baseman. The national team had reportedly planned to use Kim at third base, while deploying Moon and Noh at first base, third base or designated hitter.

Sept. 10, 2026

Majesty Golf opens '55th Heritage Premiere' pop-up

A pop-up store has opened where visitors can experience Majesty's 55-year legacy in one place and try out its limited-edition models. Majesty Golf said Thursday it is marking its 55th anniversary with a pop-up, "MAJESTY 55th Heritage Premiere." The event runs through Sept. 22 on the bridge floor of the seventh floor at Shinsegae Department Store's Gangnam branch. The pop-up, designed to let customers experience Majesty's heritage and brand philosophy firsthand, also unveils the full lineup of its 55th anniversary commemorative models. The brand said the models feature a monocoque head structure built with full 3D printing technology and a design inspired by the Baroque style. Through a 5.5-meter putting challenge as well as photo card and roulette events, 55 visitors in total will receive a range of prizes. Prizes include the PRESTIGIO 14 driver, Majesty carriers and golf balls. "We hope visitors can experience up close the value and prestige that only Majesty has proven over the years through the specially prepared products and various programs marking our 55th anniversary," a Majesty Golf official said.

Sept. 10, 2026

Ko Suk-hyun to face Wellington Turman in November, eyes third UFC win

Fighter sharpens striking skills aimed at finishing fights Newlywed skipped honeymoon to refocus training Newlywed Ko Suk-hyun, 32, of Havas MMA, will face "Prodigy" Wellington Turman, 30, of Brazil at "UFC Fight Night: Bonfim vs. Brady" on Nov. 8 (Korean time). The event takes place at Meta Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada. The bout comes just four months after Ko's unanimous decision loss to Jean Paul Lebosnoyani in July, marking a quick turnaround. Ko led after the first round in that fight but struggled once his signature takedowns were stifled from the second round on, ultimately losing on points. The defeat was his first in a five-year career. Since then, Ko skipped his honeymoon after getting married last month to refocus on training, working intensively to shore up his weaknesses. He placed particular emphasis on improving his striking, and this upcoming bout will serve as a test of that progress. His opponent, Wellington Turman, is a veteran with an 18-8 record and a teammate of UFC superstar Alex Pereira. Turman brings a well-rounded skill set built on Muay Thai and a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt. He is on a three-fight losing streak and will return to the octagon for the first time in about three years. Turman underwent four surgeries on his left shoulder, which kept him out of action for an extended period. Ko is a judo-based fighter known for his powerful grappling. In 2017, he became the only South Korean to win gold at the FIAS Combat Sambo World Championship. In the UFC, he has landed 10 takedowns across three fights and controlled dominant positions for a total of 25 minutes and 12 seconds. The event's main card will feature a top-five welterweight contender showdown in the same division as Ko. No. 5-ranked Gabriel Bonfim, 29, of Brazil, who is riding a five-fight win streak, will square off against No. 6-ranked Sean Brady, 33, of the United States. Bonfim is a boxing-based striker, while Brady is a jiu-jitsu-based grappler.

Sept. 10, 2026

[Interview] Cho Yong-cheol, president of the Korean Judo Association

'Joint growth of elite and community sports' ... aiming for men's, women's gold at LA Olympics Targets 20,000 judo practitioners, 1,000 gyms by 2028 Checking competitiveness at Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games ... building total management system for national team Linking schools and local gyms to discover young talent ... to host international coaches' academy in 2027 Cho Yong-cheol, president of the Korean Judo Association, has set "joint growth of elite and community sports" as a core task for a fresh leap forward for Korean judo. His plan is to break from the existing focus on national team performance alone and instead link youth talent discovery, expanding the base of amateur enthusiasts, protecting athletes' human rights, post-retirement career support, and international sports diplomacy into a single virtuous cycle. Cho has set six management goals: winning gold medals in both the men's and women's competitions at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, growing the judo community to 20,000 people, expanding the number of gyms to 1,000, achieving 50 percent financial self-sufficiency for the association, establishing a "clean judo" image, and achieving zero safety accidents in sports. He is also pursuing six policies and 18 action tasks to support these goals. In an interview held Tuesday at the Korean Judo Association's headquarters, Cho said, "Rather than putting forward any single project, my role as president is to create an environment where athletes can focus on training and where coaches and referees can exercise their expertise." He added, "I will complete the six management goals and 18 action tasks within my term to make judo a sport loved by the public." Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: a checkpoint on the road to the LA Olympics The first test facing Korean judo is the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. Over the past two years, the Korean Judo Association has carried out a bold generational shift, boosting the performance of its newly formed national team through overseas training camps, dispatches to international competitions, partner-athlete arrangements, and the provision of sponsored equipment. The association is analyzing each athlete's international competition results and world rankings while closely studying the technique types of major rivals. It plans to strengthen training and competitive experience tailored to each weight class, confirm the team's international competitiveness at the Asian Games, and then immediately shift into preparations for the LA Olympics. "The Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games is a stage to check the current level of the national team and a starting point toward the 2028 LA Olympics," Cho said. "We will do everything we can so that the national anthem rings out in Nagoya as many times as possible." The association is also changing how it manages the national team, moving beyond a focus on technique and physical conditioning alone. It is building a "national team total management system" that treats injury prevention and recovery, weight control, and psychological support as part of athletic performance. The strategy is to secure a deep pool of athletes — with current national team members and next-generation prospects competing in healthy rivalry — to move closer to the goal of winning gold in both the men's and women's Olympic events. Beyond school teams to local gyms: widening the path to discover athletes Judo for everyone, for life: lowering barriers to community sports The declining school-age population and the shrinking number of school athletic teams are structural problems Korean judo must solve. The Korean Judo Association plans to move beyond the existing system of discovering athletes solely through school teams and expand a development model that links school sports clubs, local judo gyms and public sports facilities. After breaking down the barrier between elite and amateur athletes at the elementary school level in 2021, the association has now expanded its integrated competition system to the middle school level as well. It is strengthening step-by-step support so that promising young athletes discovered through this system can grow from youth prospects through junior national team status and ultimately to the senior national team. "The era of relying solely on school teams is over," Cho said. "We need to create a structure in which school sports clubs, local judo gyms and public sports facilities all participate together to discover talented children and systematically nurture their growth." Rather than rapidly increasing the number of athletes in the short term, the focus is on creating conditions that allow children and teenagers to enjoy judo and train over the long term. The association is also pursuing a safe training environment, guaranteed access to education, transparent athlete selection, and career education so that parents can entrust their children with confidence. Promoting community sports is another major pillar. The association is expanding judo beyond an elite sport measured only by competitive results into a lifestyle sport where people can also learn courtesy, self-discipline, self-defense and physical fitness. The association is preparing a standardized, safety-focused curriculum that accounts for age, gender and training goals, and is increasing tailored programs for women, office workers, middle-aged and older adults, and families, not just children and teenagers. It is also promoting amateur competitions while improving the fairness and transparency of the belt-promotion process so that practitioners feel a genuine sense of achievement. The Korean Judo Association currently holds six national community sports competitions each year. It also runs a program that gives outstanding amateur athletes the chance to observe international competitions. Going forward, the association plans to strengthen cooperation with regional judo associations and introduce a gym certification system and school-gym partnership programs to broaden opportunities to encounter judo in everyday life. Cho believes that as the community sports population grows, the foundation for discovering talented athletes will expand, which in turn will strengthen the national team's competitiveness. He aims to build an ecosystem that organically links schools, local judo gyms and provincial and municipal judo associations so that elite sports and community sports can grow together. Zero tolerance for human rights violations: institutionalizing safety and career support Korea to host international coaches' academy in 2027 The association applies a zero-tolerance principle to athletes' human rights and safety. When violence, bullying, sexual violence or other human rights violations are confirmed, it will impose strict disciplinary action in accordance with relevant regulations and is reorganizing its complaint system so victims can seek counseling or file reports without fear of retaliation. The association will also systematize injury prevention, emergency response, and return-to-training standards after treatment. It plans to make insurance coverage mandatory for athletes training at schools and gyms and to supplement institutional safeguards so that only qualified coaches oversee training. As the number of judo gyms has recently increased, concerns about safety accidents and human rights violations have also grown, and the association intends to reduce blind spots by strengthening its certification system and coach management. The association is also putting effort into supporting the social transition of retired athletes. It will first actively promote participation in support programs run by the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee, and plans to benchmark related systems to develop its own career program specific to judo. It is also exploring career transition models that allow retired athletes to move not only into coaching and refereeing but also into administration, education, and the sports industry. The association is also expanding sports diplomacy to raise Korean judo's international influence. The Korean Judo Association has more than 100 international referees and has consistently produced successful candidates in international referee examinations. However, hosting major International Judo Federation events such as the World Championships, Grand Slams and Grand Prix events in Korea faces practical difficulties because of the large budgets required. As an alternative, the association plans to host Asia-region competitions, international training camps, and coach and referee education programs to help athletes and coaches gain high-level experience. As a first result, Korea will host the International Judo Federation's coaches' academy in 2027. The association will also expand exchanges with the Judo Union of Asia and judo organizations from other countries, and systematically train administrators, referees and professionals who can go on to work in international organizations. Rather than one-off visits or events, the plan is to build long-term relationships of trust through continued joint training between countries, coach training, and youth exchanges. The goal is to strengthen athletic performance, administrative capacity and international networks together to raise Korea's voice within the global judo community. The change Cho most wants to achieve during his term is to make the association "an organization trusted by judo practitioners." He believes the association's duty extends beyond international competition results to ensuring the next generation can naturally take up judo and that athletes and coaches can grow in a fair environment. The association will establish fair and transparent administration and actively reflect voices from the field in its operations. To resolve complaints and distrust, it also plans to expand communication channels with regional judo associations, coaches, athletes and parents. "The future of Korean judo is to become a stage where athletes can achieve their dreams, a workplace where coaches feel pride, and a familiar sport through which the public can build both health and character," Cho said. "I will continue to communicate constantly with those on the ground and show change through action rather than words."

Sept. 10, 2026

Jang Hoon, NPB legend and first to reach 3,000 hits in Japan, dies at 86

Jang Hoon, a legend of Nippon Professional Baseball known in Japan as Isao Harimoto, has died. He was 86. According to major Japanese media outlets including TBS, Jang died at a hospital in Tokyo around 5 p.m. Wednesday. Jang, an ethnic Korean born in Hiroshima, Japan, in 1940, played for the Toei Flyers, Yomiuri Giants and Lotte Orions, among other teams. He started playing baseball in elementary school, but a severe injury to his right hand as a child forced him to throw and bat left-handed. Standing 1.81 meters tall with a naturally sharp batting eye, he made his debut in 1959 wearing the uniform of the Toei Flyers, now the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters. He won the Pacific League Rookie of the Year award in his debut season and moved to the Yomiuri Giants in 1976. After also playing for the Lotte Orions, he retired in 1981 with a career batting average of .319 and 504 home runs over 2,752 games across 23 years. His career games played and batting average rank third in NPB history, and his home run total ranks seventh. With 3,085 career hits, he became the first — and remains the only — player in NPB history to record 3,000 hits entirely within Japan's professional league. He won the batting title seven times and was inducted into the Japan Baseball Hall of Fame in 1990. After retiring, Jang became a baseball commentator, earning the nickname "Mr. Bitter Tongue" for his blunt commentary and gaining wide popularity. He also contributed to the development of Korean professional baseball, serving as a special adviser to the commissioner of the Korea Baseball Organization. In recognition of his contributions, he received South Korea's Order of Sports Merit, Maenghojang class, in 1980, and the Order of Civil Merit, Mugunghwa Medal, in 2007.

Sept. 10, 2026

Kim Jong-kyu, actor Hwang Jung-eum's ex, to call basketball for KBS at Asian Games

Active professional basketball player Kim Jong-kyu will serve as a commentator for KBS's broadcast of the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. KBS will air the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games under the slogan "Becoming One Again, the Asian Games Are on KBS Too," covering the 16-day event from the Sept. 19 opening ceremony to the Oct. 4 closing ceremony. KBS announced Wednesday that Kim would join as a commentator for men's basketball at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. Kim was part of South Korea's men's basketball team that won gold at the 2014 Incheon Asian Games. His appointment has drawn attention because he is an active professional player, not a retired athlete, taking on commentary duties for a major international multi-sport event. In a video KBS released, Kim first appeared in workout gear before changing into a suit and saying, "Commentary? I'll give it a try." Kim once made a bold declaration at the time of his No. 1 overall draft pick — "I'll turn things around. I know the feeling" — a pledge that went on to shake up the KBL. In the new video, he revived that vow, saying, "I'll turn things around. I know the KBS feeling." Kim's first Asian Games broadcast will be a men's basketball preliminary match, which begins before the opening ceremony. South Korea's men's basketball team will play its first Group A match against Saudi Arabia at 4 p.m. Thursday. KBS 2TV will air the game live starting at 3:45 p.m., with Kim teaming up with commentator Son Dae-beom and announcer Lee Young-ho. Kim and Son will then call South Korea's matches against Indonesia at 4 p.m. Friday and against Japan at 7 p.m. Sunday. Meanwhile, Kim previously drew attention in the entertainment world over his relationship with actor Hwang Jung-eum. In July 2024, when reports surfaced that Hwang was dating the basketball star, her side said, "It is true that she recently developed feelings for him, but it is still an early stage." Two weeks later, however, her side announced the breakup, saying, "The two, who had feelings for each other and were carefully getting to know one another, have decided to remain on good terms as acquaintances."

Sept. 10, 2026

[Park No-seung Golf Column] (79) Lessons from Shin Da-in's penalty

The two-stroke penalty imposed on Shin Da-in at the first hole of the final round of the KLPGA's OK Savings Bank tournament offered a significant lesson. It applies to both players and referees. How should players and referees change their conduct going forward? No visible evidence Given my long experience as a referee, I follow media coverage of penalty cases from tournaments around the world and analyze the video footage. When a penalty call seems questionable, I sometimes replay the video dozens of times, and in most cases I conclude that the referee's ruling was correct. The Lexi Thompson case had clear, magnified evidence, and I agreed with the R&A's ruling on the two-stroke penalty that Bryson DeChambeau felt was unfair at this year's Open Championship. But the penalty ruling against Shin was simply impossible to accept. A gallery member reported an issue at the first hole green, and referees communicated the two-stroke penalty to the player at the sixth hole. That meant the ruling took about an hour to reach. What evidence did the referee use to make that call? That evidence was likely the same broadcast footage that ordinary viewers watched and that I myself replayed dozens of times. There was no time to find and compare other footage, and if any had existed, it would likely have been released even after the match. In my judgment, it was practically impossible to assert, based on broadcast footage alone, that there was a 1-centimeter or 3-centimeter discrepancy. Was the ruling fair? A penalty call this severe — one that can change the course of a tournament — normally requires a meeting among three referees. These are the zone referee assigned to the first hole, the rover referee overseeing the front nine, and the chief referee at the top of the hierarchy. Each presents their own opinion during the discussion. It remains unclear whether any referee objected to the penalty. The process behind how the ruling was reached would reveal much about the level of KLPGA referees, but no such information has been disclosed. At the scene, gallery members are not positioned close enough to detect a difference of just a few centimeters. If a report was made, it likely alleged that Shin improperly moved her ball forward. She had been returning it from behind the marker to its original position in front of the marker. The referee then verified the report, but ultimately found a different violation than the one reported, and issued the penalty on that basis. This raises suspicion that the ruling stemmed from an investigation into an unrelated matter rather than the original complaint. Why would referees rule a penalty against a player facing a 26-meter putt at the first hole in the final-round champion's group? She would have had no reason to intentionally cheat by moving her ball a few centimeters. A referee could argue that the intent of the player is irrelevant and that the ruling should depend solely on whether the ball was accurately replaced to its original position. But that stance is hard for golf fans watching the tournament to accept as reasonable, because it distorted the flow and outcome of the competition. The basics for players There was a regrettable aspect to how Shin responded on the scene when she was notified of the penalty at the sixth hole. It is understandable that she was too flustered by the sudden two-stroke penalty to consider her rights in the moment. But she should have told the referee that she disagreed with the ruling. She could have requested that a final decision be made together with her after reviewing the evidence footage once the round ended. Players and referees do not have a hierarchical relationship — they stand on equal footing, each with their own rights and obligations. In golf, players act as their own referees while playing, so they are entitled to hold opinions that differ from a referee's ruling and to freely discuss them. Ultimately, players need rules knowledge on par with that of referees to argue their case without hesitation. Arming themselves with thorough knowledge of the rules is the most basic requirement of all. What if I were Shin Da-in? It is commendable that after the tournament, Shin commissioned a professional video analysis firm and produced evidence showing that the ball's position had barely changed. Although it cannot change the outcome of the competition, it was a legitimate action to restore her reputation. I hope players will consider how they would have acted had they been in Shin's position, and prepare themselves accordingly. KLPGA referees can make mistakes too The KLPGA should review the video evidence presented by Shin and issue an official explanation that fans can accept and that restores Shin's reputation. Referees can make mistakes too, so an apology should follow if warranted. If a player's honor is unjustly damaged, she should be willing to fight for it with everything she has. A referee who hands down a major penalty ruling should be willing to stake their own position on it. *The author, a former golf dad, studied in the United States. He has worked as a golf historian, an international referee for the Korea Golf Association, a player sponsor and a university professor. He has written two books on golf history and previously ran a popular column titled "Park No-seung's Golf Time Leap" for 73 installments, and is currently writing its second season.

Sept. 10, 2026

'Topuria only moves forward and back'... Gaethje knew it

'Always the same rhythm and pattern, and I attacked that' UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje said correctly reading a specific pattern in Ilia Topuria's movement was one of the key factors behind his stunning upset. Gaethje defeated Topuria by TKO in the fourth round at UFC Freedom 250 in June, handing him the first loss of his career. Having already announced he will not fight again this year, Gaethje is taking his time enjoying the competitive landscape in the division while waiting for his first challenger to emerge next year. Gaethje appeared recently on the podcast MightyCast, where he was asked about the key strategy he used against Topuria. "The easiest way to explain it is that his footwork rhythm never changes. When it's that consistent, it's very easy to predict," Gaethje said, adding that attacking this predictability was what earned him the win. "Topuria always moves forward or backward with the same rhythm, like 'tuk, tuk, tuk, tuk.' He almost never moves side to side. That's his style of fighting," Gaethje said. "In the end, my game plan was to break that flow by timing my attacks to his footwork." Topuria fights in a classic boxing style. Experts have long agreed that his style — powerful and technically refined — is difficult to attack, but it left an opening for Gaethje, who favors an unorthodox rhythm. Gaethje is known for regularly throwing kicks and punches off-beat and from a switch stance, even in ordinary fights. Fighters of this type may look awkward and unbalanced at first glance, but they break through an opponent's guard with unpredictable attacks that land effective and decisive blows. Former middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis is a prime example of this style. While Gaethje has taken a relaxed vacation, citing injury recovery and conditioning since claiming the belt, competition among contenders in the division has grown fiercer than ever. The winner of the Sept. 20 bout between Arman Tsarukyan and Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 331 is likely to earn the next title shot. Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira, both of whom have beaten Gaethje in the past, are also eyeing the spot. The emergence of Salahdine Parnasse, 28, of France, who dominated Dan Hooker, is another wild card that could shake up the picture. UFC is also considering a rematch between Topuria, who has resumed official activities following his recent loss, and Gaethje, though Topuria's return to the octagon has yet to be scheduled. UFC commentator Joe Rogan recently advised that it would be risky for Topuria to rush back into the octagon just to secure a rematch with Gaethje.

Sept. 10, 2026

Wavve adds multiview feature for simultaneous KPGA, KLPGA streaming

Streaming service Wavve announced Thursday that it will introduce a "multiview" feature allowing viewers to watch multiple golf broadcasts at once, along with a real-time chat function. The multiview feature splits the screen to let viewers watch several golf broadcasts simultaneously, making it possible to follow KLPGA and KPGA tour matches at the same time. Viewers can also place a special "field cam" broadcast — which follows a single player closely — alongside the main broadcast feed. According to Wavve, the beta version of the service will launch with the KLPGA tour's KB Financial Group Golden Life Championship and the KPGA tour's 42nd Shinhan Donghae Open, both of which begin that day. "We want to give viewers a new golf broadcast experience where they can choose the screen they want to watch and enjoy interacting with other viewers," a Wavve official said.

Sept. 10, 2026

Brad Kohler, who once fought Kim Jong-wang, runs for Minnesota governor

Ex-fighter competed in Gladiator FC in Korea in 2004 Brad Kohler, 62, a fighter from the early days of mixed martial arts who competed in the UFC and DEEP, is taking on a new challenge in politics, running for governor of Minnesota. Kohler is campaigning as an independent under the slogan "Agenda Minnesota." Minnesota's gubernatorial election is set for Nov. 3, local time. Kohler holds a career record of 12 wins and 15 losses. Beginning in 1997, he fought across the US and Japan, trading punches with well-known fighters such as Travis Fulton, Dan Severn and Yoshihisa Yamamoto. He retired in 2012 after his final win. In the UFC, he went 1-1, including a first-round knockout of Steve Judson just 30 seconds into their bout at UFC 22 in 1999. Kohler also fought in Korea in 2004, appearing at Gladiator FC, a large-scale mixed martial arts event that drew superstars such as Anderson Silva and Rogerio Nogueira. The event gave longtime Korean fans a chance to see him in person. He lost by first-round rear-naked choke to Kim Jong-wang, known by the nickname "Mawang" ("Devil King"), who was considered Korea's top fighter at the time. In the United States, often described as a haven for professional sports, it is not unusual for fighters to move into politics. Tito Ortiz, the brash former UFC light heavyweight champion, leveraged his fame to win a seat on the Huntington Beach, California, city council in 2020. He served for a year before resigning. Markwayne Mullin, who fought five MMA bouts and competed in the smaller XFL promotion, went on to serve as a US representative and later a US senator. Sharice Davids, who appeared on the UFC reality show The Ultimate Fighter (TUF), currently serves as the US representative for Kansas's 3rd Congressional District.

Sept. 10, 2026

LIV Golf to expand fields to 75 players, introduce first-ever cut

LIV Golf, which has filed for bankruptcy protection, has launched a sweeping league overhaul that includes a major expansion of its playing fields to 75 golfers and the introduction of its first-ever cut. US golf outlets Golfweek and Golf Digest reported Thursday that LIV Golf is facing a financial crisis after Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund declared it would halt funding. The league filed for bankruptcy protection with a federal bankruptcy court in New Jersey and unveiled a sweeping restructuring plan dubbed "LIV Golf 2.0." According to the league overhaul plan unveiled by LIV Golf CEO Scott O'Neil, the league will significantly expand tournament fields from the current 54 to 57 players. The field size will grow to as many as 75. It also decided to scrap the no-cut format that has defined the league since its launch, officially introducing a cut for the first time in its history. The plan also calls for a new Monday qualifying system to open a pathway for new players. It also expands the existing four-player team structure into a franchise business model that reflects national identities. The moves are aimed at shedding the league's image as a cut-free payday and building sporting legitimacy through fiercer competition and a more open structure. The immediate reason behind LIV Golf's sweeping changes is a serious financial crisis. According to documents filed with the court, LIV Golf's total debt ranges from $500 million to $1 billion. Since its 2022 launch, PIF had poured more than $5 billion into the league. But it announced it would completely halt funding once the 2026 season ends, citing underwhelming returns, a shift in investment focus toward domestic infrastructure, and instability in the Middle East. With Yasir Al-Rumayyan, PIF's governor and the architect of LIV Golf, also resigning, the league's funding was cut off, pushing it toward a rapid collapse. LIV Golf has presented the court with a reorganization plan to relaunch as a new corporate entity in early 2027. The plan is in partnership with BC Partners, a UK-based global private equity fund. The plan's core is a shift to a "player-shareholder model," under which players would hold a majority stake in the league. However, it is too early to be optimistic about the league's survival, since the bankruptcy filing could void multi-year contracts with existing players. Marquee stars such as Jon Rahm of Spain, Bryson DeChambeau and Dustin Johnson of the United States, and Cameron Smith of Australia are listed as major unsecured creditors. Each holds bonds worth millions of dollars. The Associated Press said whether star players remain under the new equity model, despite losing out on massive contract payments, will be the biggest variable for the league's fate. The alternative is a return to the PGA Tour or DP World Tour.

Sept. 10, 2026

Moreno to arrive Sunday as Korea's interim football coach

Roberto Moreno, the Spanish coach named interim head coach of South Korea's national football team, will arrive in the country this weekend to begin his role. The Korea Football Association said Wednesday that Moreno is set to arrive at Incheon International Airport on Sunday morning, where he will hold a standing interview upon arrival. Then on Monday, he will announce the squad for the national team's upcoming matches in September and October at the Korea Football Park in Cheonan. The association held a board meeting at the Korea Football Park in Cheonan, South Chungcheong Province, on Sept. 1 and approved Moreno's appointment as interim head coach. The men's national football team had been without a head coach since Hong Myung-bo stepped down following South Korea's group-stage exit at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North and Central America. Rather than naming a permanent head coach, the association opened the interim coaching post to public recruitment for the first time in its history. It sought someone to lead the team through six matches from this month through November. Moreno previously served as assistant coach at Spain's La Liga giant FC Barcelona and as assistant and interim coach for the Spanish national team. He won the post and became the first Spanish coach in the history of Korean football. Meanwhile, based on the squad Moreno announces Monday, the team will play four matches in September and October. The team opens with a friendly against Ecuador at Suwon World Cup Stadium at 8 p.m. on Sept. 24. South Korea will then face Uruguay on Sept. 28, Venezuela on Oct. 2 and Uzbekistan on Oct. 6.

Sept. 9, 2026

Aramco Korea Championship set for Oct. 8-11 at New Korea CC

The Aramco Korea Championship will run for four days starting Oct. 8 at New Korea Country Club in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province. Held as part of the PIF Global Series, the tournament is co-sanctioned with the Ladies European Tour and will feature 120 players competing for a purse of $2 million. The event, which drew attention last year after Kim Hyo-joo's victory, will switch this year to a 72-hole stroke-play format from its previous setup. The tournament will also award Rolex Women's World Golf Rankings points based on results. Last year's edition combined both team and individual competition. Among the notable players confirmed for this year are Korean American golfers Danielle Kang and Alison Lee, both of the United States. Kang has six career LPGA Tour victories, while Lee, whose mother is Korean, has two career LET wins. Both players serve as Golf Saudi ambassadors. "Playing in front of Korean fans is always special," Kang said. "Korean fans have a deep understanding of golf and cheer passionately on every hole. Since the tournament will now be a 72-hole individual stroke-play event, I think the competition among players will be even more intense this year. I am excited to compete for the title again with the support of Korean fans." "Playing in Korea means a great deal to me personally," Lee said. "I'm even more excited to compete in the four-day individual stroke-play format at New Korea Country Club. Beyond the competition itself, I hope this tournament can help young female golfers and junior players in Korea build their dreams in the sport." Alongside the golf competition, the tournament period will include programs aimed at fostering sports and business exchange between South Korea and Saudi Arabia. Together with host partner Kolon Group, organizers will hold a Korea-Saudi business panel as well as panel discussions on women's sports and tourism. Officials from Korean companies, Golf Saudi and Saudi golf tourism organizations are expected to attend and discuss cooperation on sports investment, strategic partnerships and tourism between the two countries. Over the four days of competition, New Korea Country Club will also expand its tournament village, offering activities for families, junior golfers and general spectators alike. The village will feature a golf experience zone, golf simulators and a nearest-to-the-pin event offering official tournament merchandise and prizes. A junior golf clinic featuring LET players will also be held. Alongside this, a K-food market, lifestyle pop-ups and a coffee experience zone will operate, along with an outdoor gallery space for watching play on the tournament's final hole. General admission tickets start at 15,000 won ($11), with free entry for teenagers age 16 and under accompanied by an adult holding a paid ticket.

Sept. 9, 2026

Boxing great Usyk's third bout with Fury gains momentum

Usyk responds positively to Fury's call for a rematch after he fails to land an opponent Third fight seems an odd stage for Usyk's 'last dance' Unbeaten heavyweight legend Oleksandr Usyk, 39, of Ukraine, who is nearing retirement, appears increasingly likely to face his friend Tyson Fury, 38, of Britain, for a third time. After Fury recently threw down a challenge to him, Usyk posted a video message on social media that seemed to accept the offer. Walking backward on a treadmill during training, he said, "Hey, Tyson. I'm coming, brother. You greedy fat man," before letting out a deliberate "ha-ha" laugh. Usyk has hinted at retirement since last year but is still willing to fight once or twice more. After beating kickboxing legend Rico Verhoeven in a WBC heavyweight title bout in May 2025, he said he still had a "last dance" left in him and was not retiring immediately. Undefeated in 25 fights, Usyk became the first boxer to hold all four major heavyweight titles at once. He gave up his WBO title in November 2025 and relinquished his remaining WBA, WBC and IBF titles in June. He still holds The Ring title, however. He has said he gave up the titles so he could decide the final chapter of his career on his own terms. If Usyk indeed accepts Fury's challenge, he would be stepping in as an emergency replacement. Fury had originally been pursuing a fight with British rival Anthony Joshua, but talks appeared to collapse over a dispute regarding the host venue. That prompted Fury to abruptly turn his attention to Usyk. Even if the fight comes together, however, it remains unclear whether it would draw much interest from fans. Usyk has already beaten Fury twice, in May and December 2024, winning both bouts convincingly with superior skill and speed. With the series already decided 2-0, a trilogy bout does not appear necessary to settle anything. A third fight would carry meaning mainly for Fury. A win in this final showdown against the only man to hand him both losses of his career would let him claim the narrative that he had the final word. MMA Weekly said Usyk has established himself as the top heavyweight of this generation. But a fight between Fury and Joshua, staged over British heavyweight pride, would still carry major significance. The outlet suggested that somehow making the originally planned Fury-Joshua fight happen would draw even greater attention.

Sept. 9, 2026

Kim Ju-sung, two-time Asian Games champion, joins SPOTV as basketball analyst

Basketball legend Kim Ju-sung will pick up the commentary microphone for the Asian Games basketball broadcasts. Sports channel SPOTV announced its broadcast lineup Wednesday for the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, which open Sept. 19, saying Kim Ju-sung — who helped South Korea's men's basketball team win two Asian Games titles as a player — will join as a color commentator. The men's basketball team begins its schedule Thursday, nine days before the opening ceremony. In a 12-team field split into three groups, South Korea landed in Group A alongside Japan, Saudi Arabia and Indonesia. The team faces Saudi Arabia on Thursday, Indonesia on Friday and host Japan on Sunday. Led by head coach Nikolajs Mazurs, the 12-man roster is headlined by Lee Hyun-joong, who signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the NBA's Portland Trail Blazers. The lineup also includes Lee Jung-hyun (Sono); Moon Yoo-hyun and Byun Jun-hyung (both KGC); Yoo Ki-sang (LG Group); Lee Woo-seok (Armed Forces Athletic Corps); Eddie Daniel (SK Group); Jang Jae-seok and Choi Jun-yong (both KCC); Lee Seung-hyun (Hyundai Mobis); Yeo Jun-seok (Seattle University); and Moon Jung-hyun (KT Corp). Kim, who competed in five Asian Games as a player and helped the team win two gold medals, said, "I'm honored to be marking my sixth Asian Games, this time as a commentator rather than a player." Looking ahead to the tournament, he added, "Japan has been on the rise recently, and China and the Middle Eastern countries have also improved technically, so we need to be cautious." With Kim rating this year's squad as strong enough to contend for gold, attention now turns to whether the men's basketball team can continue its run toward the title. Making his broadcast debut, Kim will pair with commentators Kim Myung-jung and Lee Seung-hyun. Live broadcasts of the men's basketball team's games will stream on SPOTV NOW.

Sept. 9, 2026