The South Korean national baseball team enters the Super Round of the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games on a strong upward trajectory, securing three consecutive wins to top Group B under manager Ryu Ji-hyun. Korea faces Japan in the opening game of the Super Round on September 25 at the Toyohashi Municipal Baseball Stadium in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, continuing its bid for a fifth Asian Games gold medal following titles in Guangzhou 2010, Incheon 2014, Jakarta-Palembang 2018, and Hangzhou 2022.
Group Stage Dominance and Super Round Stakes
Korea booked its place in the Super Round after an undefeated run through Group B. The squad opened group play on September 21 with a 5-0 shutout win over Taiwan at the Okazaki Chuo Sogo Park Baseball Stadium in Aichi Prefecture. That victory was followed by a 13-7 win against Hong Kong, where the offense racked up 14 hits while the pitching staff maintained control. Korea wrapped up the group stage on September 23 with an 18-1 victory over Thailand, cementing the top spot in the group and closing in on a berth in the tournament final.
Starting Lineup Adjustments and Kim Do-young at Leadoff
Manager Ryu Ji-hyun has constructed a starting lineup for the Super Round clash against Japan. Kim Do-young takes the leadoff spot at third base. While Kim experienced a quiet start early in the tournament, he broke out with clean, hard-hit contact during the win against Thailand.
The starting batting order features NC Dinos shortstop Kim Joo-won, Hanwha Eagles first baseman Noh Si-hwan, and LG Twins designated hitter Moon Bo-kyung. Doosan Bears second baseman Park Jun-soon, Lotte Giants right fielder Yoon Dong-hee, SSG Landers catcher Cho Hyung-woo, KIA left fielder Park Jae-hyun, and Samsung Lions center fielder Kim Ji-chan round out the lineup.
Pitching Matchup: Sou Hyung-jun Takes the Ball
KT Wiz right-hander Sou Hyung-jun gets the start on the mound for Korea against Japan. Drafted in the first round by KT in 2020, Sou brings international experience to the matchup, having previously pitched for the national team at the 2023 World Baseball Classic, the 2024 WBSC Premier12, and the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Across 132 career KBO games spanning 704.1 innings, Sou holds a 53-29 record with one save and a 3.63 ERA. He put together a strong domestic campaign this season, posting an 8-3 record with a 3.38 ERA over 20 appearances and 114.1 innings.
Japan counters with left-handed pitcher Hikuchi Shin, who impressed during the group stage. Hikuchi delivered a strong outing on September 21 against China, striking out 10 batters and allowing just one run over six innings of work.
Tournament Context and Next Steps
With three group wins already secured, a victory in the Super Round opener against Japan would put Korea on the verge of clinching a spot in the tournament gold-medal game. The Super Round contest at Toyohashi Municipal Baseball Stadium begins a crucial stretch as the squad chases its fifth straight Asian Games crown.
