The South Korean men's national football team began the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games with a victory, defeating Qatar 4-1 in their first Group D match of the tournament's group stage. Um Ji-sung's hat-trick led the team to victory.

The match was held at the Mizho Park Rugby Stadium in Nagoya, Japan, with commentator Lee Young-pyo and caster Nam Hyun-jong providing live coverage on KBS 2TV.

Ahead of the match, commentator Lee Young-pyo emphasized the team's organization and dedication, expressing expectations for a gold medal. He said, "If our destructive, flank-attacking football comes alive, I think we'll see some really exciting football in this tournament, and in today's match," naming Kim Myung-jun as a key player.

[Um Ji-sung 'Explodes' with Hat-Trick... Kim Myung-jun Adds a Goal]

After kickoff, South Korea launched an aggressive attack. Um Ji-sung scored the opening goal just seven minutes in, and added a second in the 20th minute of the first half. Just before the end of the first half, he completed his hat-trick, putting the team up 3-0.

In the second half, Kim Myung-jun received a pass from Yang Hyun-jun and scored the fourth goal, sealing the victory. Caster Nam Hyun-jong said, "The players are moving just as commentator Lee Young-pyo instructed." South Korea conceded one goal late in the match, ending the game 4-1.

[Commentator Lee Young-pyo: "We Should Have Finished Without Conceding... Disappointed in Their Focus"]

Commentator Lee pointed out, "A lack of concentration appeared in a situation where we didn't need to concede. The players need to feel and learn many things right now. Games that can be finished without conceding should be finished that way."

In the post-match talkback on the KBS YouTube channel 'ALLS,' Lee said, "We conceded in a situation where we were controlling the game 4-0. It wasn't that the opponent played well—it was a problem of defensive concentration. I think the players may have felt a bit of complacency at 4-0," expressing his regret.

He also forecast, "The second match against Saudi Arabia may be somewhat more difficult than the Qatar game, but I don't think there will be much trouble in taking the three points."

[Next Match: Live Broadcast of the Saudi Arabia Game on September 22]

South Korea's next Group D opponent is Saudi Arabia. That match is scheduled to be broadcast live on KBS 2TV on September 22.