The South Korean men's national handball team has made a strong start in its quest to reclaim the Asian championship for the first time in 16 years, since the 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games.

Led by head coach Cho Young-shin, the national team defeated Middle Eastern powerhouse Kuwait 26-23 (12-12, 14-11) in their opening Group B match of the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, held at Entrio in Inazawa, Aichi Prefecture, Japan, on the 21st, by displaying strong concentration in the final moments.

Having defeated Kuwait—a crucial opponent that must be beaten to secure a top-two finish in the group and advance to the semifinals—South Korea will play its second group stage match against Iran on the 22nd.

Engaged in a back-and-forth battle with Kuwait until the middle of the second half, the national team took a 23-22 lead with about 4 minutes and 30 seconds remaining in the second half thanks to a penalty shot by Kim Jin-young (Sangmu).

Kim Lak-chan (Incheon Urban Corporation) then widened the gap to 25-22 with consecutive breakthrough goals, effectively sealing the victory.

Kim Jin-young put the game out of reach by scoring another penalty shot to secure the win with 27 seconds left on the clock.

Kim Jin-young led the team with a game-high 6 points, followed by Kim Tae-kwan (Chungnam Provincial Government) with 5 points, and Kim Lak-chan with 4 points, including two crucial consecutive goals.

(Photo: Yonhap News)