The Korean women's basketball team will compete in the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games without its key players, Jisoo Park (Cheongju KB) and Jihyun Park (LA Sparks).
The Korea Basketball Association announced the final roster for the women's basketball team on September 14, 2026.
Among the 13 players initially selected for training, Jisoo Park and Jihyun Park will not join the final squad. The team has decided to proceed with 11 players without adding any replacements.
According to the association, Jisoo Park, who is recovering from ankle surgery, has shown a strong desire to join the team and has been in regular communication with the coaching staff while focusing on her rehabilitation. However, after a comprehensive review of her physical condition and recovery progress, it was determined that she would not participate.
Jihyun Park will miss the tournament due to commitments with her WNBA team.
Despite the absence of these two players, head coach Suho Park expressed confidence in the existing players' chemistry and teamwork. He stated, "The players have been training together since summer, building their organization. While it is unfortunate that Jisoo cannot join us, we will focus on enhancing the strengths of the 11 players who have been working together to perform well at the Asian Games."
The final roster includes Huh Yea-eun (KB), Ahn Hye-ji, Lee So-hee, Choi Yi-saem (all Busan BNK), Park So-hee, Jeong Hyun, Jin An (all Bucheon Hana Bank), Kang Yu-rim, Lee Hae-ran (both Yongin Samsung Life), Kang Yi-seul (Asan Woori Bank), and Hong Yu-soon (Incheon Shinhan Bank).
The team, which was assembled in July, prepared for the Asian Games through an exhibition match in Japan in August and the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup held in Germany in September. After returning home on September 10 and completing their preparations, the team departed for Japan on September 15.
Placed in Group C, Korea will begin its campaign on September 18 at 10 a.m. against Malaysia, followed by matches against Mongolia on September 21 at 1 p.m. and Taiwan on September 22 at 4 p.m.
The tournament format allows the top two teams from each group and the two best third-placed teams to advance to the quarterfinals.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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