London, England – In a stunning display of resilience and skill, South Korea’s Seo Seung-jae and Kang Min-hyuk have captured the men’s doubles title at the 2026 All England Open, marking a historic achievement for Korean badminton. The victory, secured on March 9th (local time) at the Utilita Arena in Birmingham, represents the first time a Korean pair has won the prestigious tournament in 40 years.
The world No. 1 Korean duo faced a formidable challenge in the final, battling against Malaysia’s Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik, ranked No. 2 in the world. The match unfolded as a thrilling three-game affair, ultimately ending with a 2-1 scoreline (18-21, 21-12, 21-19) in favor of Seo, and Kang.
The match, lasting over an hour and three minutes, was a testament to the tenacity of both teams. After a shaky start where they dropped the first game 18-21, Seo Seung-jae and Kang Min-hyuk demonstrated remarkable composure, dominating the second game with a decisive 21-12 victory. The third game proved to be a nail-biter, with both pairs trading points fiercely. Trailing early, the Koreans mounted a stunning comeback, leveling the score at 13-13 and ultimately securing the win with a narrow 21-19 margin.
This victory is particularly significant as it ends a 40-year drought for South Korea at the All England Open. The last Korean pair to claim the title were Park Joo-bong and Kim Moon-soo, who achieved the feat in 1985 and 1986. The win similarly ensures that South Korea will leave the 127-year-vintage tournament with at least one trophy.
While the men’s doubles team celebrated a triumphant victory, the tournament wasn’t without its disappointments for South Korea. An Se-young fell short in the women’s singles final, losing to China’s Wang Zhiyi after an 11-match winning streak. The women’s doubles pair of Baek Ha-na and Lee So-hee also secured a runner-up finish. Despite these setbacks, the men’s doubles triumph provided a significant boost to the nation’s badminton program.
Seo Seung-jae and Kang Min-hyuk have quickly established themselves as a dominant force in men’s doubles since reuniting last year. Their partnership has yielded remarkable results, including a climb to the world No. 1 ranking within six months. Prior to the All England Open, the pair had already achieved a record-breaking 11 consecutive tournament wins, including the Malaysia Open in January 2026.
Their journey to the All England Open title wasn’t without obstacles. Seo Seung-jae suffered a shoulder injury shortly after their Malaysia Open victory, forcing them to withdraw from several international competitions. Concerns about their form and fitness leading up to the All England Open were quickly dispelled as they navigated the tournament with skill and determination.
The All England Open official social media account celebrated the Korean duo’s victory, posting a congratulatory message alongside a photo of Seo and Kang, labeling them “invincible.”
Looking ahead, Seo Seung-jae and Kang Min-hyuk will undoubtedly be aiming to maintain their momentum and continue their dominance in the world of men’s doubles. Their next scheduled tournament and preparations will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.
This victory is a testament to the dedication, skill, and unwavering spirit of Seo Seung-jae and Kang Min-hyuk, solidifying their place in Korean badminton history.
