(LEAD) (Asiad) Pentathlete Seong Seung-min wins S. Korea's 1st gold at Asian Games

Seong Seung-min secured South Korea's first gold medal at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games by triumphing in the women's individual modern pentathlon event. Competing across five disciplines—fencing, swimming, obstacle course racing, and laser run—Seong accumulated 1,492 points to claim victory at the Anjo Sports Park in Anjo, Japan.

This marked the first time a South Korean female pentathlete had won an individual event, breaking China's consecutive four-gold streak. Zhang Mingyu of China secured the silver, while Wu Xiyao of China claimed bronze. Kim Un-ju and Shin Su-min of South Korea placed seventh and twelfth, respectively, with 1,399 and 1,380 points.

Seong's gold helped South Korea secure the second position in the team event, following China. The team score is determined by combining the top three athletes' points from each nation. As an Olympic bronze medalist and former world champion, Seong was a formidable favorite for the gold. She had previously won the 2024 World Modern Pentathlon Championships and claimed an Olympic medal at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics.

During the final at Anjo Sports Park, Seong dominated from the beginning, topping fencing and finishing fourth in the obstacle course. She maintained her lead with a stellar performance in the 100-meter freestyle, and ultimately crossed the finish line first in the laser run.