Men's basketball team suffers agonizing overtime loss to Taiwan in World Cup qualifiers

The South Korean men's national basketball team suffered a heartbreaking 80-82 overtime loss to Taiwan in their fifth game of the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian qualifiers. The team held a commanding 16-point lead, 65-49, by the end of the third quarter but faltered in the final period, allowing Taiwan to mount a comeback and ultimately secure the victory.

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I could never get angry or nervous in front of someone for doing what they love.

This devastating defeat leaves South Korea with a 2-3 record in Group B, putting their qualification for the second round in jeopardy. Their path forward requires a decisive win against Japan in their final group game on June 6, coupled with favorable results from the Taiwan-China match. The tournament structure sees the top three teams from each of the four groups advancing to the next stage.

Despite strong performances from key players like Yeo Jun-seok (15 points, 6 rebounds), Lee Jung-hyun (13 points, 4 assists), Jang Jae-seok (11 points, 10 rebounds), and Lee Woo-seok (12 points, 6 rebounds), the team lacked the necessary closing power. Taiwan, bolstered by naturalized player Brandon Gilbeck (16 points, 18 rebounds, 2 assists) and Chen Ying-chun (18 points), capitalized on South Korea's late-game struggles.

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I think for me, watching someone do what they love is the most special thing in the world.

The loss also marks another setback for head coach Nikolajs Mazurs, the first foreign coach in the history of the men's national team. His tenure has yet to yield a victory, with the team having previously lost to Japan and Taiwan in the third and fourth games after securing two initial wins against China.

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So when it comes to someone you love, like your partner, all you can wish for is that they are happy and that they can do what they are passionate about.