Korean judo partners Hur Mi-mi and Lee Hyun-ji aim for Asian Games gold

Judo teammates Hur Mi-mi and Lee Hyun-ji are forging a strong partnership as they prepare to represent South Korea at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. Despite a five-year age difference and competing in different weight categories – Hur in the women's 57kg and Lee in the over-78kg – the two have become inseparable, drawing strength from each other's presence.

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Hyun-ji finishes matches in 10 seconds. I want to learn that overwhelming dominance.

"Hyun-ji finishes matches in 10 seconds. I want to learn that overwhelming dominance," said Hur, 24. Lee, 19, reciprocated the admiration, stating, "Usually, Mi-mi unnie is full of flaws, but I'm amazed at how she executes holds on the mat." They often share laughs during training, finding solace in their camaraderie amidst the demanding regimen.

Both athletes are considered key medal hopefuls for Korean judo, which seeks to rebound from a modest showing at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games, where the team secured one gold, two silver, and six bronze medals. Hur Mi-mi, a third-generation Japanese-Korean and descendant of independence activist Heo Seok, is a prominent figure on the national team, having won a silver medal in the individual event and a bronze in the mixed team event at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Lee Hyun-ji, considered a rising star, earned her spot in the Asian Games by surpassing world champion Kim Ha-yun.

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Usually, Mi-mi unnie is full of flaws, but I'm amazed at how she executes holds on the mat.

This will be the first Asian Games individual competition for both judokas. Hur competed only in the mixed team event in Hangzhou. They see each other as catalysts for growth. Lee aims to emulate Hur's tenacity in golden score situations, while Hur admires Lee's immense strength, predicting she will "surprise fans with her overwhelming judo."

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Team training is really tough, and I often think I couldn't endure it if it weren't fun, but Mi-mi unnie is here, so I'm really glad.

Both face challenges in sharpening their competitive edge. Hur, ranked 37th globally after shoulder surgery in March 2023, will likely face a tough draw without a seeded position. Lee, who has not secured a win this year despite strong performances, is focusing on one match at a time. Their shared goal is clear: "Only gold medals." They are determined to hear the South Korean anthem played for three consecutive days, with their individual events followed by the mixed team competition.

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We're together 24 hours a day, so it really feels like family. Hyun-ji is like a younger sister to me, so I actually rely on her more.