South Korea Fighting Games Coach: '45 Sparring Partners Will Aid Our Progress'
South Korea's fighting games coach Kang Seong-hun has shared insights into the team's preparation for the upcoming "Aichi-Nagoya" Asian Games. The strategy focuses on maintaining player health and utilizing an extensive network of elite sparring partners.
Speaking at a media day at the Busan eSports Arena, Kang Seong-hun emphasized that because of the players' age, the team is prioritizing physical wellness, including strict sleep and nutrition schedules. He noted that the players' presence on the national team is a testament to their skill, bolstered by significant support from the association and the city of Busan.
Regarding the competition, Japan was identified as the primary obstacle. South Korea is placed in Group D alongside Kazakhstan and Hong Kong. The tournament format features Bo5 series for the rounds leading up to the semifinals, while the final will be a Bo9. Meanwhile, Pakistan is in Group A and Japan is in Group B.

Since the team competes in multiple titles—Tekken, Street Fighter, and The King of Fighters—the strategy will revolve around player sequencing. Kang Seong-hun intends to lead with high-win-rate specialists to secure early points. To prepare for this high-stakes environment, the team has brought in 45 top-tier domestic players to act as sparring partners, ensuring the athletes are accustomed to elite-level competition.