On September 20, the men's basketball final of the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya wrapped up. The Republic of Korea beat host Japan 67-57 to claim the gold medal after a 12-year wait. Japan took silver and Iran won bronze.

It marks the Republic of Korea’s fifth men’s basketball gold at the Asian Games, with its previous title coming at the 2014 Incheon Asian Games. The Republic of Korea defeated Japan in the group stage, completing a double win over its rival. Japan reached the men’s basketball Asian Games final for the first time in 64 years and earned its third silver medal in the event. Seven players of the Republic of Korea team, including Lee Hyun-jung, are eligible for military service exemption with the gold medal. Lee Woo-seok, an active-duty soldier on the team, can apply for early discharge.