Korea stand Unified in historical Asian Games run leading up to an appearance in the Finals

JAKARTA (Asian Games 2018) – This year’s edition of the Asian Games in 2018 had already been historical one for Korea from the beginning when both South and North Korea joined forces in three sporting categories – including Women’s Basketball.

After beating Chinese Taipei in the Semifinals, 89-66, Unified Korea are now marching to the championship game to face China. Their run in the Asian Games has already been forever etched in the history books, but now they are merely one more step away from making their performance even more remarkable.

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," Kim Han-byul, Korea’s talented forward, told AFP.

"It's definitely historical – just the fact the North Korean girls are able to play with us. It's a big, big step in the right direction. Hopefully it will propel something in the future for maybe coming together again."

The game was also the first appearance for WNBA player, Park Ji-su, who was finally released by the Las Vegas Aces to join the squad. Ji-su scored 10 points – one of six players to do so for Unified Korea – in the win, including an electrifying baseline spin move en route to a picture-perfect finger roll layup.

Though they still have one more game to go with their eyes locked on the ultimate golden prize, Unified Korea have already achieved to secure a medal in the Women's Basketball competition with this win over Chinese-Taipei. No matter what the outcome will be in the final game, Unified Korea will not be going back home empty handed and they can be sure that there will not be a lack of support come game time.

The fans of Unified Korea flocked to show their support for the team and their unity ever since their first game in Jakarta and were still cheering their hearts out during their lopsided win over Chinese Taipei. One of the three North Korean players that are a part of this team, Ro Suk Yong, finished among the top scorers of the game with 17 points. Ro and the team were consistently showered with chants of support from the crowd, who were sporting matching shirts and proudly waving the blue Korea Unification flag.

"When you are united good things happen," the 25-year-old Ro said after the game. "I've never felt such warm support on a basketball court."

"This is a result that everyone achieved by playing together with one goal and one spirit," Ro also said as quoted by Yonhap, the South Korean news agency. "Their support gives me lots of energy. As we stay united, we went to the final. It makes me emotional."

Unified Korea will take on China, who also advanced to the Finals after beating Japan 86-74 in the second Semifinals game. The Gold Medal game for Women’s  Basketball tournament will be on September 1st at 4:00 PM (GMT +7).

FIBA