The Korea Esports Association has selected four coaches to lead the national esports team at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. The announcement came on December 12 following a thorough review of applications submitted last month.
Selection Process
The association evaluated candidates based on full-time commitment to esports, including membership in the Korea Esports Association and coaching credentials. Key factors also included participation in domestic and international competitions, proven coaching achievements, and individual qualifications such as national certifications and doping expertise. One coach was initially chosen per division, with an additional appointment per category, resulting in a total of four leaders.
Appointed Coaches
- Fighting Games (Valorant): Kang Seong-hoon of Spirit Zerro
- League of Legends: Kang Dong-hoon
- Battlegrounds Mobile: Yoon Sang-hoon of Nongsim Red Force
- Overall Events (Gran Turismo 7, eFootball PC/Mobile, PUBG Champions): Jeong Myeong-hoon
Kang Seong-hoon and Yoon Sang-hoon bring prior experience from the Hangzhou Asian Games. Jeong Myeong-hoon, who coached the national team to a medal at the 2009 Hanoi Indoor Asian Games, plans to assemble a personal staff of three experts.
Player Recruitment
The national team will recruit players through open trials organized by the executive committee. Domestic and international leagues, including League of Legends and Battlegrounds Mobile, will contribute to the player pool. Additional titles such as Street Fighter 6, Tekken 8, The King of Fighters XV, Another Over Kingz, Gran Turismo 7, eFootball series (PC and mobile), and PUBG Champions will also feed into selections based on performance metrics.
In total, the esports national team roster will comprise 37 athletes.
