'Ace' Kim Woo-jin dedicates himself to Mumji for gold after 13 years

Standing atop the podium, the Taekwondo archers paid tribute to the fourth national team to miss out on gold.

Lee Woo-seok (Kolon), Oh Jin-hyuk (Hyundai Steel) and Kim Jeduk (Yecheon County Office) of the Korean men's archery team defeated India 5-1 in the men's team archery final at the Hangzhou 2022 Asian Games on Saturday at the Fuyang Throat Sports Center Archery Range in Hangzhou, China.

It was South Korea's first men's team gold medal at the Asian Games in 13 years.

When they met with the media in the joint press area after the ceremony, they thanked Kim Woo-jin (Cheongju City Government) as if they had made a promise.

Kim Woo-jin is considered the best archer in the world beyond Korea. He has won nine gold medals at the World Championships alone. He has won most of the world championship gold medals since the 2010s.

He is ranked third in the world, the highest of any South Korean athlete.

However, Kim Woo-jin didn't qualify for this tournament. He finished fourth in the qualifying round, the lowest finish for a South Korean athlete.

After taking a break from the 'ace' title, Kim Woo-jin dedicated himself to his team in 'Yinji'.

Whenever his teammates were competing, he would cheer them on from the stands.

When Lee Woo-seok won the mixed team event, he took on the "chore" of carrying his team's Kolon cap to the mix zone.

Even though the press was watching from the sidelines, he didn't seem embarrassed at all and shouted, "Woo-seok, take this hat from Kolon!" making everyone laugh.

He was also seen running around with a telescope tripod used by the coaching staff.

From "eldest brother" Oh Jin-hyuk to Kim Woo-jin, they expressed their gratitude.

"Kim Woo-jin, who didn't play in the team competition, suffered so much to support us, and I want to say thank you so much," Oh Jin-hyuk said.

Lee Woo-seok also expressed his gratitude, saying, "Kim Woo-jin supported us so much and cheered the loudest and hardest," adding, "That really helped us."

Kim Jeduk also said, "Kim Woo-jin cares a lot about me at the Jincheon Athletes' Village, managing my juniors and teaching me one more thing," adding, “I am grateful to my three older brothers.” 슬롯