Korea Makes History: Silver in World Judo Mixed Team Championships – How Did They Do It?

A Historic Silver: Korea’s Breakthrough on the World Stage

Did you know? On June 21, 2025, Korea’s national judo team achieved their best-ever result in the World Judo Championships Mixed Team event, taking home a silver medal after a dramatic run in Budapest. Facing powerhouse nations and overcoming past disappointments, this result marks a turning point for Korean judo. Fans and experts alike are calling it a new era for the sport in Korea, as the team finally broke through the semifinals barrier that had held them back since the event’s inception in 2017.
For the first time, Korea reached the final, defeating Mongolia, France, and Germany with a blend of youthful energy and veteran composure. The silver medal isn’t just a medal—it’s a symbol of the team’s growth and Korea’s rising status in global judo.

The Road to the Final: Upsets, Drama, and Teamwork

Let’s break down Korea’s incredible journey to the final! The team started strong, sweeping Mongolia 4-0 in the opening round. The real drama unfolded in the quarterfinals against France—a team that had dominated previous championships. With the score tied 3-3, Korea advanced thanks to a dramatic forfeit from France’s heavyweight, sending shockwaves through the judo world.
In the semifinals, Korea faced Germany and delivered a flawless 4-0 victory, showcasing not only technical mastery but also the unity and spirit that define Korean sports culture. Each victory was celebrated with visible joy and camaraderie, a testament to the team’s chemistry and preparation.

The Final Showdown: Korea vs. Georgia – A Battle of Firsts

The final against Georgia was a true clash of judo titans, and both teams were first-time finalists in the mixed team event. Korea took an early lead with Seungyeob Lee’s spectacular ippon against Olympic medalist Guram Tushishvili, igniting hope for a historic gold.
However, the momentum shifted as Georgia’s Eteri Liparteliani and Mikheili Bakhbakhashvili delivered decisive wins. Despite valiant efforts from Korea’s Huh Mimi, Bae Donghyun, and others, the match ended 4-1 in Georgia’s favor. While the gold slipped away, the silver medal was celebrated as a victory for Korean judo and a promise of greater things to come.

Star Players: Kim Hayun’s Gold and Lee Seungyeob’s Heroics

Korean fans can’t stop talking about Kim Hayun, who made history by winning the women’s +78kg gold—Korea’s first in this category in 34 years! Her triumph set the tone for the team’s confidence and performance throughout the tournament.
Seungyeob Lee’s opening win in the final was another highlight, showing the world that Korea’s new generation is ready to challenge the best. Alongside them, Olympic silver medalist Kim Minjong and rising stars like Huh Mimi and Bae Donghyun played crucial roles in the team’s success.

Coaching, Strategy, and the Power of Youth

Behind the scenes, Korea’s coaching staff—led by a dynamic group of former national athletes in their 40s—crafted a strategy that balanced experience and youth. The men’s team was guided by coach Hwang Heetae, while the women’s squad benefited from the expertise of Kim Junghoon and Kwon Youngwoo. Their collaborative approach fostered a culture of respect, discipline, and innovation, which was evident in the team’s tactical flexibility and mental toughness.
This new generation of coaches is credited with revitalizing Korean judo, blending traditional techniques with modern sports science and analytics.

Fan and Community Reactions: Pride, Hope, and a New Judo Fandom

The Korean online community exploded with pride and excitement. On Naver, Daum, and sports forums like DC Inside and PGR21, positive reactions dominated—over 80% of comments praised the team’s heart, resilience, and sportsmanship. A top comment on DC Inside read: “Finally, Korean judo shows the world what we’re made of!”
Some fans expressed disappointment at missing gold, but the overwhelming sentiment was one of hope and anticipation for the 2028 Olympics. The silver medal run has already sparked a surge of interest in judo among young Koreans, with many vowing to support the team on their journey to future glory.

Cultural Insights: Why This Medal Means So Much

For international readers, it’s important to understand the cultural significance of this achievement. Judo in Korea has a rich history, but has often been overshadowed by Japan and France. The mixed team event, introduced in 2017, has been dominated by these nations—until now.
Korea’s breakthrough is seen as a validation of years of investment in youth development and a testament to the country’s fighting spirit. The team’s respectful conduct, visible joy, and unity on the mat resonated with fans worldwide, reinforcing the values that make judo more than just a sport in Korea.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Korean Judo?

With this silver medal, Korea has set a new standard for itself and inspired a new generation of athletes. The focus now shifts to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where the team will aim to build on this momentum. Coaches are already talking about expanding grassroots programs and leveraging the mixed team format to foster even greater unity and competitiveness.
Internationally, Korea’s performance has been recognized as a game-changer, with analysts predicting that the country could soon challenge for gold not just in team events, but across multiple weight classes. The world will be watching as Korean judo continues its remarkable ascent.