SBS NEWS

News > Entertainment

Seo Jang-hoon Reflects on Emotional 2002 Asian Games Gold Medal Victory on 'My Genie Secretary'

Kim Hyo-jung

Published : Oct 10, 2026 7:51 AM


My Genie Secretary (Photo=Getty Images Korea)Seo Jang-hoon looked back on his memories of the Asian Games.

On the October 9 broadcast of SBS's "Whatever You Wish Genie - My Genie Secretary" (hereinafter "My Genie Secretary"), the secretaries were shown assisting their "My Star," Seo Jang-hoon.

Inside the vehicle heading to Gangneung that day, Lee Seo-jin asked Seo Jang-hoon if he had received any offers to provide basketball commentary. In response, Seo Jang-hoon said candidly, "Actually, SBS did request that I do Asian Games commentary. But I just don't have the time."

He also drew attention by adding that because he has now left the basketball world, he is being cautious with any comments he makes.

Lee Seo-jin then brought up the Asian Games with him. Seo Jang-hoon reminisced about that time, saying, "At the 2002 Busan Asian Games, we won a gold medal for the first time in 20 years. China had Yao Ming back then."

Referring to the towering Yao Ming, who was an NBA star, he continued, "When he raised and swung his arms, you couldn't even see the backboard," describing how tough the game was against such a formidable opponent.

Seo Jang-hoon then shared the story of how they secured the miraculous gold medal, saying, "Wow, I really don't know how we won. With 1 minute and 30 seconds left before the end of the game, we were trailing by 10 points. But we tied it up, went into overtime, and won." At the time, Seo Jang-hoon was overcome with emotion and even shed tears.

Seo Jang-hoon captured viewers' attention by explaining why he could not hold back his tears, saying, "I made the national team for the first time during my freshman year of college. The year 2002 marked exactly my 10th year on the national team. And throughout those 10 years, we had never beaten China once. We had plenty of great players back then too, but I always felt apologetic because we couldn't win. But on that day, we defeated China's top elite roster and won the gold medal."