Yoon Gyu-sung (24, Army Personnel Command Army Military Band and Honor Guard Battalion Taekwondo Demonstration Team), who enlisted with thoughts of giving up his career as an athlete, has risen to the top of the Asian Games thanks to the support of his military unit.

Yoon claimed the gold medal with an average score of 9.3800 in the final of the men's individual poomsae taekwondo event at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games held at the Toyohashi Gymnasium in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, today (October 1).

Recording the highest scores in both categories with 9.340 in recognized poomsae and 9.420 in free-style poomsae, he led South Korea to its third consecutive victory in this event.

Speaking to reporters in the mixed zone after the match, Yoon said, "I am happy. There have been many other medals, but I think none have been as happy as this one."

Having advanced to the finals in second place overall during the semifinals, Yoon displayed even more exceptional skills in the final round.

In the recognized poomsae Taeguk Jang 7, he delivered sharp, crisp movements followed by a powerful shout, and showcased aerial rotations and consecutive kicks in the free-style poomsae.

He concluded his performance with tumbling followed by a knife-hand strike motion.

The tension continued even after his performance concluded.

He held hands with his coach and awaited the results until the score of the final competitor, an athlete from Thailand, was announced.


Reflecting on his own performance, Yoon said, "I want to give myself a 9.9," adding, "It's a bit much to give a perfect score. I think it's around 9.9."

There was consideration from his unit along the path to the gold medal.

After graduating from college, Yoon, who enlisted in June of last year, had also contemplated the option of delaying his enlistment.

However, his unit helped him balance demonstration team activities with his athletic career.

As a result, Yoon secured the gold medal and earned military service benefits, allowing him to be discharged early.

Reaching the summit at his very first Asian Games, he expressed his gratitude by mentioning the names of Battalion Commander Hwang Seung-joo, as well as unit officers and coaches one by one.

Sharing the joy of his gold medal, he said, "The people in the unit helped me a lot. I miss my comrades so much."

(Photo: Yonhap News)