Shin Yubin, Kim Dong-yong Lead South Korea as 16th Flagbearers at Asian Games Opening Ceremony

The South Korean delegation, eyeing a top-three finish overall at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, entered the opening ceremony 16th, led by co-flagbearers Shin Yubin in table tennis and Kim Dong-yong in rowing.

Shin and Kim stood at the forefront of the delegation during the opening ceremony held this afternoon (the 19th) at the Mizuho Park Athletics Stadium in Nagoya, Japan.


Out of a total delegation size of 1,051, 50 athletes across nine sports participated in the opening ceremony for South Korea.

The number of attendees for the ceremony was determined by considering competition and official training schedules, as well as the timing of entry into the athletes' village.

Table tennis star Shin Yubin and veteran Kim Dong-yong, who has worn the national Taegeukgi emblem for 17 years, jointly carried the national flag to lead the delegation.

Smiling as they entered, the delegation passed through a central stage designed in the shape of a heart, greeted the spectators while holding the national flag, and took their seats.


Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Choi Whi-young and Korean Sport & Olympic Committee President Yoo Seung-min, who visited the opening ceremony site, were also captured on broadcast cameras waving warmly toward the delegation.

Shin shared through the organizing committee, "I found out that I was selected as a flagbearer while training. I considered it an honorable position and accepted it with great pride," adding, "Our athletes will all perform wonderfully after the opening ceremony, so I ask for your continued support."

Shin further emphasized, "My goal is to win a medal in every event I compete in."

Kim Dong-yong, for whom this is likely effectively his last Asian Games, expressed his thoughts, saying, "When I first heard the news about being selected as a flagbearer, I was stunned and thought, 'Is this real? Is there some mistake?'" but added, "I think it will feel overwhelmingly emotional when we march in shortly."


South Korea appeared 16th following Kazakhstan in the marching order based on English country names.

The North Korean delegation entered 8th, right after China.

The Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, which officially opened with the ceremony, will run through October 4.


(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.