South Korean judo is aiming for four gold medals at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.

During the national judo team media day press conference held on the 9th at the Jincheon National Training Center in North Chungcheong Province, the judo coaching staff and athletes expressed their strong determination to secure two gold medals in the men's division and two in the women's division.

Jung Sung-sook, head coach of the women's national team, stated, "In the women's division, we look to Huh Mi-mi (Gyeongbuk Sports Council) in the 57kg category and Lee Hyun-ji (Yongin University) in the over-78kg category as top gold medal contenders," adding, "Aside from these two, athletes in every weight class possess the skills to win gold, so we can expect even more gold medals."

Hwang Hee-tae, head coach of the men's division, said, "We are eyeing two or more golds in the men's division," and noted, "Led by Lee Joon-hwan (Pohang City Hall) in the 81kg category and Kim Min-jong (Yangpyeong County Office) in the over-100kg category, we have many athletes capable of winning gold."

South Korea will compete in all 14 individual weight classes and the mixed team event at this tournament.

The national team is determined to wash away the pain of three years ago at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.

South Korea judo led the country's medal race by capturing five gold medals at the 2014 Incheon Games and four at the 2018 Jakarta-Palembang Games. However, at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games held in 2023 during a generational shift, the team harvested a record-low single gold medal.

This performance fell short even of the previous lowest gold medal count of two, recorded at the 1990 Beijing Games.

Head coach Hwang Hee-tae expressed confidence, saying, "At the last Games, many athletes were making their debut at major international multi-sport events, which left many shortcomings," and added, "The athletes who gained experience back then have now become world-class competitors. We will definitely achieve great results at this tournament."

He also pledged, "The athletes have elevated their skills through numerous training camps and thoroughly prepared using the new video analysis system supported by the Korea Institute of Sport Science," adding, "With so many people around us offering help, we will pull off great results."

There is also a favorable factor.

This tournament overlaps in schedule with the 2026 International Judo Federation (IJF) World Championships.

Consequently, rival nations like Japan are expected to dispatch second-string athletes rather than their primary national squads to the Asian Games.

Head coach Jung Sung-sook remarked, "While there is hardly any difference in skill between Japan's first- and second-string athletes, it is still a favorable situation for our national team."

The determination of the athletes is extraordinary.

Lee Joon-hwan, who won a silver medal at the Hangzhou Asian Games and a bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, said, "I am mentally steeling myself even more than usual," and vowed, "I believe it's impossible to win without this mindset. I will definitely place the gold medal around my neck."

Kim Min-jong, who captured a bronze medal at the Hangzhou Asian Games and a silver medal at the Paris Olympics, raised his voice, stating, "Although I suffered from a minor injury last June, I am managing my condition well," and added, "Ahead of this tournament, I trained so hard that even the heavens would acknowledge it. I will achieve great results in Nagoya and ultimately climb to the top of the podium at the Los Angeles Olympics held two years later."

Lee Hyun-ji, who is making her debut at a major international multi-sport event yet is widely regarded as a strong favorite to win, stated, "Kim Ha-yun (Ansan City Hall), who engaged in friendly competition with me in the same weight class, gave me a lot of help," and added, "As well as we have prepared, we will produce great results."

The mental attitude of Huh Mi-mi and Kim Ji-su (women's 63kg category, Gyeongbuk Sports Council), both of Zainichi Korean heritage, is even more special.

Huh Mi-mi, born to a Korean father and a Japanese mother, said, "Because the tournament is held in Japan, I feel a little bit of pressure, but I will approach it with the same mindset as any other competition."

Kim Ji-su stated, "I am excited that this tournament is being held in Japan, where I was born," adding, "I want to compete as soon as possible."

Meanwhile, the Korea Judo Association delivered a total of 20 million won in encouragement funds—10 million won each to the men's and women's national teams.

(Photo: Yonhap News)