[Nagoya AG] Men's Épée Fencing Team Reaches First Team Final in 12 Years After Defeating Japan

Victory by a Single Point, 38-37, Over Japan After Overtime in the Semifinals

First Finals Appearance Since 2014 Incheon Games, Securing at Least Silver

The Korean men's épée fencing national team has advanced to the finals of the team event at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, clinching at least a silver medal.

The national squad, consisting of Park Sangyoung, Jang Hyomin, Nam Yeonho, and Kwon Omin, defeated Japan 38-37 in the semifinals held on the 27th at the Aichi Sky Expo in Aichi Prefecture, Japan.

On the 27th, at the Aichi Sky Expo in Tokoname, Aichi Prefecture, Japan, during the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games fencing men's épée team semifinal match between Korea and Japan, Korean fencer Jang Hyomin cheered after securing a place in the final. Yonhap News Agency

With this result, Korea has reached the team finals for the first time in 12 years since their three consecutive victories at the 2006 Doha, 2010 Guangzhou, and 2014 Incheon Games. In both the 2018 Jakarta-Palembang and 2022 Hangzhou Games, the team finished with back-to-back bronze medals. The finals are scheduled for 6:40 p.m., where Korea will face the winner of the Hong Kong vs. Kazakhstan semifinal for the gold medal.

Korea received a bye in the round of 32, defeated Uzbekistan 45-33 in the round of 16, and overcame China 45-36 in the quarterfinals to advance to the semifinals.

Their semifinal opponent was Japan, the reigning Asian Games team event champion from the previous two tournaments and the 2024 Paris Olympic silver medalist. Korea initially trailed 7-10, but Park Sangyoung mounted a comeback in the third round, turning the score to 13-11 over Matsumoto Ryu. Subsequent points by Nam Yeonho in the fourth round and Jang Hyomin in the fifth round widened Korea's lead to 25-17.

However, Korea conceded ground in the later stages. The gap narrowed through rounds six and seven, and in the eighth round, Park Sangyoung's bout against Yamada Masaru ended with the score tied at 34-34. In the ninth and final round, Jang Hyomin gave up two consecutive points to Kano Koki, momentarily falling behind but quickly responding with two points of his own to tie the score at 37-37 and force overtime.

The match was decided in overtime. With 37 seconds remaining, Jang Hyomin landed the decisive hit, sealing a 38-37 victory.

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