South Korea's U-23 coach stated at a press conference that winning the gold medal at the Asian Games is the team's goal.

At a press conference for the men's football group stage of the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games held on the 14th at Paloma Mizuho Rugby Stadium in Nagoya, Japan, the South Korea U-23 coach said, "We came here to win the gold medal at the Asian Games. Training went well from the Shizuoka training camp through our arrival in Nagoya. We are fully prepared." South Korea will play Qatar in their opening group match at the same stadium on the 15th at 7:30 p.m.

South Korea won three consecutive gold medals at the 2014 Incheon Asian Games, the 2018 Jakarta-Palembang Asian Games, and the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games. This Asian Games marks the first major tournament for Korean football as the team looks to bounce back after missing the group stage at the 2026 North/Central American World Cup.

One week after their opening match against Qatar, South Korea will face Saudi Arabia in their second group match on the 22nd at the same stadium. A total of 15 nations are competing in the men's football tournament. Groups A through C each consist of four teams, while Group D, where South Korea is placed, has three teams. The top two teams from each group advance to the quarterfinals.

The South Korea U-23 coach added, "We are prepared for Qatar and Saudi Arabia. After tomorrow's match, we will continue our analysis by watching the Saudi Arabia versus Qatar match on the 18th."

The South Korea U-23 coach selected players who competed in the 2026 World Cup including Yang Hyun-jun (Celtic) and Eom Ji-sung (Swansea City), as well as central defender Lee Ki-hyeok (Gangwon) as a wildcard pick (over age 23). Many forwards are also playing in European clubs, including Baek Joon-ho (Stoke City), Lee Young-joon (Rangers), Yang Min-hyeok (Westerlo), Park Soo-sung (Newcastle), and Kim Myung-jun (Genk). Lee Young-joon has not yet joined the team.

The South Korea U-23 coach emphasized: "When this tournament ends, my contract also expires, and I will be leaving the national team at that point. From the Cheonan gathering to today, every single day has felt especially precious with the thought that there is no turning back. Whether it's tomorrow's match against Qatar or any match after, I will do my best with all my heart."

Finally, when asked about weather conditions in Nagoya, which experienced record-breaking heavy rainfall before the tournament began, the South Korea U-23 coach said, "It rained during our Shizuoka training as well. If tomorrow becomes a battle in the water, I think it will actually work in our favor. The players are brimming with confidence, and I believe our training has gone very well."

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