{
  "id": 8785824,
  "title": "(Asiad) Bus mix-up before Asiad final turns into source of motivation for S. Korean basketball team",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/20/asiad-bus-mix-up-before-asiad-final-turns-into-source-of-motivation",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-20T22:42:23.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yonhap News",
    "slug": "yonhap-news",
    "url": "https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20260921000200320"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "On September 21, the South Korean men's basketball team faced an unexpected challenge before the Asian Games final against Japan. Their scheduled shuttle bus failed to arrive, leaving the team stranded at their hotel with a 10 a.m. shootaround on their minds. Team captain Lee Seoung-hyun expressed his frustration, stating that such an incident was unacceptable, especially with spectators watching closely.\n\nThe bus mix-up was not an isolated incident, as South Korean athletes had been grappling with similar transportation and operational problems throughout the Asian Games. However, Lee acknowledged that this unexpected setback ultimately served as a catalyst, bringing the team closer together. Rather than allowing the setback to demoralize them, the players turned the situation into an opportunity to build team chemistry and relieve tension. They opted to take a leisurely walk together and enjoy coffee instead of engaging in a traditional pre-match warm-up.\n\nThis change of plans proved beneficial, as the team went on to win the gold medal, marking their first victory in 12 years at the Asian Games. Veteran center Lee Hyun-jung, who recorded a game-high 27 points and 18 rebounds, remained calm and composed throughout the match, emphasizing the importance of staying cool-headed while maintaining their fighting spirit. Head coach Nikolajs Mazurs also echoed these sentiments, urging the team to focus on the positive aspects of the situation and not let the bus no-show affect their performance.",
  "summary": "NAGOYA, Japan, Sept. 21 (Yonhap) -- Hours before the men's basketball final at t...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}