2026.01.15 22:24
[사진] Kim Seong-geun and his mother Kim Hye-mi
[OSEN=서정환 기자] “My child has changed since he started playing basketball.”
KXO (Korea 3×3 Basketball Federation), Hongcheon-gun, and Hongcheon-gun Sports Council held the ‘NH Nonghyup Bank 2026 Hongcheon Global Youth Basketball Super Cup (hereinafter referred to as Super Cup)’ in Hongcheon-gun, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province from the 16th to the 18th. This competition was held in eight categories, including U8, U9, U10, U11, U12, U13, U14, U15, and elementary school girls. Over 2,000 players from 84 teams from Korea, Japan, Thailand, and Mongolia participated, continuing the reputation of Korea’s largest international youth basketball tournament.
The Super Cup, which started in 2024, celebrates its 5th anniversary this year. The Super Cup is an international youth basketball tournament held in Korea every summer and winter vacation season. Meanwhile, aspiring youth basketball players from various countries, including the United States, China, Japan, Singapore, Taiwan, the Philippines, and Thailand, visited Korea and competed with aspiring Korean basketball players.
Bundang Samsung secured first place in Group A with two consecutive wins in the U8 division on the first day of the competition. In the first game, Bundang Samsung defeated Wonju DB 28-10 and earned their first win. In the second game, Bundang Samsung defeated Bundang SK 28-10.
Kim Seong-geun (9, Seoul International School 3) of Bundang Samsung became the Distinguished Player with a layup shot following active defense. Although he is young, the way he boldly attempted a shot from the outside was also impressive. Parent Kim Hye-mi cheered enthusiastically in the stands. Bundang Samsung met their hat after winning two games in a row.
Kim Seong-geun introduced himself, saying, “I used to swim, but my older brother started playing basketball first. I started because it was fun. I like basketball. I’m good at layup shots and dribbling. I’m not good at passing.”
Kim Hye-mi laughed, saying, “My son is just like me, so he has athleticism. I also like sports. I thought he was good at it, so I let him play basketball. After he started playing basketball, he started eating and sleeping well, and his lifestyle habits changed regularly. He also listens to his mom well.”
I am proud to see my son working hard at sports at an age when he is at the peak of his game-loving skills. In particular, my social skills naturally developed while playing basketball, a team sport. Although they are young players, if they make a mistake, they immediately receive a disapproval from the bench. It is a great opportunity for children to learn discipline through sports.
Kim Seong-geun gave a childlike answer, saying, “I don’t want to be scolded by the coach. I get scolded every day, so I’m not afraid of the coach anymore.”
The bigger the dream, the better. Kim Seong-geun confidently said, “I like Kobe. He’s good at basketball. I want to shoot a 3-pointer like Curry. But the coach doesn’t like it if I shoot from outside. Still, I like a 3-pointer better than a 2-pointer. My dream is to become an NBA player.” / [email protected]
Seo Jeong-hwan ([email protected])
