Ahn Se-young & Lee Yong-dae: Badminton Legends Clash at Yonex Vision 10th Anniversary

Ahn Se-young competes in a singles match with badminton legend Lee Yong-dae (left). Yonex Korea
Top stars such as ‘Badminton Queen’ Ahn Se-young, world No. 1 men’s doubles Seo Seung-jae and Kim Won-ho (Samsung Life Insurance), Korean badminton legend coach Ha Tae-kwon, and Lee Yong-dae (Yonex) spent meaningful time with promising players.

Yonex Korea announced on the 1st, “The global project ‘LV10 JUNIOR CLINIC KOREA 2025’, where legends representing the world of badminton and national team ambassadors meet with next-generation prospects, was held the day before at Miryang Badminton Stadium in Gyeongsangnam-do.” This project started in 2015 to inspire future generations and promote the sustainable growth of badminton.

This year, the program was held to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Legends’ Vision. Global legend Lee Yong-dae and newly joined Korean ambassadors coach Ha Tae-kwon, Ahn Se-young, Seo Seung-jae, Kim Won-ho, Kong Hee-yong (Jeonbuk Bank), and Kim Hye-jeong (Samsung Life Insurance) were present.

This clinic was held the day before the 2025 Wonwon Yonex Miryang Korea Junior International Challenge Competition, and 280 people participated in advance recruitment targeting youth who participated in the competition. These are players who participated in the 13-, 15-, and 17-year-old divisions.

Korean badminton legend Lee Yong-dae (left) and coach Ha Tae-kwon. Yonex Korea Korean badminton legend Lee Yong-dae (left) and coach Ha Tae-kwon. Yonex Korea

Starting with an autograph session, talk, Q&A, event match between legends/ambassadors, skill relay, and group commemorative photo were held for about two hours. The lobby on the first floor was so full of players and fans that there was a waiting line an hour before the autograph session.

The seven legends/ambassadors gave honest advice based on their actual experiences about the experiences and concerns that youth players will face during their growth process. In the event match that followed, the ‘Legend Team’ led by Lee Yong-dae and the ‘Young Blood Team’ led by Ahn Se-young faced off 3-3. During the match, a surprise singles match between Lee Yong-dae and Ahn Se-young took place, drawing an enthusiastic response.

In the ‘Legends’ Skill Relay’, technology transfer, which is the core value of the Legends vision, was carried out. Legends/ambassadors directly demonstrated their signature techniques, and 64 participating youth learned the techniques on four courts. The lesson on this day was centered around the special skills of players such as ▲ Lee Yong-dae – defense, ▲ Seo Seung-jae and Kim Won-ho – smash, ▲ Ahn Se-young – under, and ▲ Gong Hee-yong and Kim Hye-jeong – push.

A commemorative photo of the event. Yonex Korea A commemorative photo of the event. Yonex Korea

Global legend Lee Yong-dae said, “Legend Vision is not just an event, but a meaningful journey to pass on the love and experience we have received to the next generation. It is very meaningful to celebrate the 10th anniversary with junior players in Korea, and I hope that many promising players will gain new dreams and motivation through this time.”

Ahn Se-young, who participated as a Korean ambassador, said, “It is always special to be on the court with junior players,” and added, “I hope that this clinic will be an opportunity to spread positive energy so that junior players can gain confidence and dream of bigger goals.”

James Whitfield

James Whitfield is Archysport's racket sports and golf specialist, bringing a global perspective to tennis, badminton, and golf coverage. Based between London and Singapore, James has covered Grand Slam tournaments, BWF World Tour events, and major golf championships on five continents. His reporting combines on-the-ground access with deep knowledge of the technical and strategic elements that separate elite athletes from the rest of the field. James is fluent in English, French, and Mandarin, giving him unique access to athletes across the global tennis and badminton circuits.

Leave a Comment