South Korea Honors 2026 Asian Games Medalists on Jeju Island

Seoul Recognizes Aichi-Nagoya Medalists on Jeju Island

South Korea honored its standout athletes from the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Summer Asian Games during an awards ceremony held on Jeju Island. The Korean Sport & Olympic Committee gathered medalists, coaches, and local residents inside the Jeju World Cup Stadium on October 17 to celebrate performances from the international multi-sport competition that ran from September 19 to October 4.

The event marked a deliberate expansion of the national sports body’s recognition program compared to past cycles. Committee officials established a new coach category and broadened overall award tiers to distribute honors across ten recipients, spanning the MVP title, Fighting Spirit Award, Skill Development Award, Leadership Award, and Special Award.

Oh Sang-uk Claims MVP Honors After Dramatic Fencing Comeback

Fencer Oh Sang-uk received the prestigious Most Valuable Player award and a 30 million won prize. Voted into the top spot by an on-site press corps, the men’s sabre star secured a double crown by winning both individual and team events for the second consecutive Games. Oh delivered a decisive performance in the team final against Japan, turning a late 41-44 deficit into a narrow 45-44 victory as the final competitor on the strip. Lee Jun-seok, who earned the Fighting Spirit Award and a prize for capturing a gold medal in men’s singles teqball, took the stage.

Coaching Leadership and Marathon Perseverance Recognized on Stage

Basketball coach Bae Gil-tae accepted the newly established Leadership Award alongside a 10 million won prize, after guiding the men’s 3×3 basketball team to their first-ever Asian Games gold medal in the discipline.

Marathon runner Park Min-ho received a Special Award and a Ceragem healthcare product. Representing the Korea Armed Forces Athletic Corps, Park accepted the trophy from Sergeant Lee Jong-hoon of the Marine Corps.

Running with the Taeguk mark meant it was not just my personal race, so I could not give up, Park stated. I endured to the end with the mindset of taking the best possible step at that moment.

Military Servicemen and Volunteers Present Awards at Jeju Stadium

The ceremony incorporated local community members and active-duty military personnel directly into the proceedings as presenters. Volunteers and service members who supported the delegation behind the scenes handed trophies to the athletes, while Korea Sports Council President Yoo Seung-min presented reciprocal commemorative gifts to express institutional gratitude.

The emotion conveyed on the Asian stage is the fruit of the sweat of athletes and coaches, along with the support of the people, Yoo stated. He emphasized that the committee will maintain support structures to ensure athletic achievements translate into preparation for upcoming international competitions.

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