Republic of Korea Men looking to impress on debut
Creating history

Korea qualified for Tokyo in nail-biting fashion, winning the final of the Asia Rugby Olympic qualifier in sudden-death extra-time.

Jang Seongmin finished off a length-of-the-field move to beat Hong Kong and make history.

“The last try was amazing, it means so much to us,” Korea captain Park Wanyong said at the time. “We give the fans an Olympic opportunity.”

Sevens pedigree

Korea have made four World Rugby Sevens Series tournament appearances since 2016.

They have gained just a solitary point in each of those events.

Korea’s best performance came in Shanghai in 2001 when they reached the Cup semi-finals, losing to South Africa. 

Korea have also competed at four Rugby World Cup Sevens, reaching the Cup quarter-finals in 1997.

The country has also won two Asian Games gold medals – as well as one silver and three bronze.

Korea have found the step up to the World Series tough in recent years.

But, Jang Jeongmin proved his class at the LA Sevens last year as he scored tries against Argentina and France.

Jang has played 10 World Series matches in total, and has scored an impressive five tries.

Try stars

Korea’s best-ever World Series performance was powered by the tries of Kim Hyung Ki and Lee Jin-Wook.

Lee scored seven tries in just four matches in Shanghai, while Kim notched four in three at the 2001 tournament.

Kim is Korea’s record World Series try scorer, having crossed the whitewash 35 times in 50 matches. Lee is second with 30 in 31!