"We were genuinely angry at being looked down on": The fierce defiance of the 2000- and 2003-born women's basketball duo that tore through Japan [Nagoya Asian Games]

[Financial News] They entered the battlefield without two of their biggest weapons. But the absence of an ace instead became a catalyst that awakened the young players' fighting spirit. When everyone doubted South Korea's strength, a guard born in 2000 and a forward born in 2003 rose sharply and made a spectacular assault on the heart of the opposing team.
At the center of South Korea women's basketball's great renaissance was Sohee Lee of BNK Sum and Haeran Lee of Samsung Life Insurance. They delivered such flawless performances that the absence of the team's key players was never felt, leading South Korea to its first Asian Games gold medal in 12 years on Japan's home court.
Few people expected them to display such fierce firepower before the tournament. Jihyun Park, a key guard for the Los Angeles Sparks competing in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA), and Jisu Park, the team's pillar in the paint for Cheongju KB Stars, were both absent. On the international stage, many viewed South Korea as clearly inferior.


But that harsh assessment instead stoked the young players' defiance. Speaking in the mixed zone immediately after the final, Sohee Lee said, "There are people who look down on South Korea somewhat when we compete in international tournaments, and that made me a little angry." She added, "We turned that defiance into passion, united tightly as a team, and practiced a great deal. That was one of the reasons we won the championship."
Sohee Lee's determined hands were deadly. In the semifinal against China, she posted a game-high 23 points and six rebounds, including five three-pointers. In the decisive final against Japan, she led the attack with 16 points, six rebounds, and four assists. Her deep three late in the first half, launched from three steps behind the three-point line, was a devastating blow that completely broke Japan's spirit. "I gave it everything I had," Sohee Lee said boldly. "My inner confidence was strong, and that led to a good result."
In the paint, the 2003-born "monster forward" Haeran Lee put on a show of force. She exploded for 22 points and six rebounds against China, whose "Great Wall" was anchored by the 220-centimeter giant Zhang Ziyu, then scored a team-high 24 points and grabbed nine rebounds in the final. Throughout the tournament, she made valuable contributions and perfectly filled the role of the team's pillar.


But the most frightening aspect was something else. Even after defeating Japan and standing atop the podium, Haeran Lee was not satisfied. "To be honest, I am not satisfied with myself. Through this tournament, I once again realized that there are many areas where I am lacking," she said. She offered an unsparingly honest assessment: "I will keep pushing until I am satisfied with myself."
She then clenched her fist as she set her sights on the higher stage of the Olympics. "I will do my best every moment from now on. Regardless of the medal, I will give everything I have in every game, so please continue to watch me."
Sohee Lee and Haeran Lee answered painful underestimation with their performances, while gaining valuable experience and confidence. The fearless duo from the MZ generation has firmly established itself as a pair of powerhouse core engines that will drive South Korea women's basketball's relentless charge over the next 10 years.
[email protected] Jeon Sang-il Reporter