"Gwak Been Pays Off His Hangzhou Debt with a Hitless 10-K!"... The 'Monster Ace' Who Wiped Out Taiwan's Lineup [Nagoya Asian Games]

[Financial News] Gwak Been of the Doosan Bears, South Korea's No. 1 starter, took the mound with the pride of Asian baseball at stake and completely dismantled Taiwan's formidable lineup with a 10-strikeout, no-hit outing. It was a performance that showcased the dignity of an ace, wiping away in one stroke the deep disappointment he had carried from Hangzhou three years ago.
The South Korea national baseball team, led by manager Ryu Ji-hyun, defeated Taiwan 5-0 in the opening game of Group B in the baseball group stage at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, held at Okazaki Central Comprehensive Park Baseball Stadium in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, on Sept. 21. The victory was built on Gwak Been's dazzling pitching.
Gwak Been took on the responsibility of starting and turned the Nagoya mound into his own stage with a six-inning shutout in which he allowed not a single hit. He gave up only two walks and fanned 10 batters, leaving Taiwan's hitters swinging at air. Taiwan's lineup collapsed like autumn leaves against the perfect combination of his heavy fastball and changeup, which dropped sharply just before reaching home plate.
Even though it had been two weeks since his last competitive appearance, Gwak Been's ability to manage crises and his intelligence on the mound shone through.
Immediately after the game, Gwak Been said, "Because it was my first competitive appearance in two weeks, my feel was a little rusty early on, but I kept communicating with catcher Cho Hyung-woo to understand the umpire's strike zone and the batters' tendencies." He explained the key to his strong outing, saying, "Focusing on precise command rather than engaging in an excessive competition for velocity paid off." When asked how he managed to record double-digit strikeouts, he quipped, "If I could get them just by thinking about it, I would have struck out 300," displaying the composure of a champion.

Above all, the reason Gwak Been's gem was so moving was that it completely erased the deep disappointment of the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games. Although he ultimately won a gold medal, Gwak Been was unable to take the mound even once throughout that tournament because of a sudden neck problem, leaving him with a heavy emotional burden.
Yet even after making a perfect start, the ace did not let the performance go to his head.
Asked whether he had settled his score with Hangzhou, Gwak Been firmly replied, "I can't be satisfied with pitching well in just one game today. Our national team's goal is to win the championship, no matter what." He continued, "If I pitch perfectly in the Super Round or the final and secure the championship, I will boast about it to my heart's content and share the joy then," expressing his determination.
Having completely dialed himself in by conquering Taiwan, the biggest hurdle, ace Gwak Been is already looking toward a brilliant finale: South Korea's fifth consecutive Asian Games title.
[email protected] Jeon Sang-il Reporter