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Korean women's basketball was defeated by Japan despite the performances of league stars Park Ji-soo (Cheongju KB) and Kim Dan-bi (Asan Woori Bank).

South Korea lost 58-81 to Japan in the semifinals of the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games at Hangzhou Olympic Center Stadium in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China on the 3rd.

It was a complete defeat. Throughout the game, South Korea never took the lead and also made a 3-pointer, falling to 3-14. Japan's three-point shooting success rate was 44% (14/32), more than double that of Korea's 20% (3/15). There was a big player named Park Ji-soo, but when Park Ji-soo was blocked, there was no choice.

"I think we fell too short, and we lost from our will," said Park Ji-soo, who met in the mixed zone after the game, adding, "I know Japan's three points were very good, but it's a shame that we couldn't stop it."

Unlike China, Japan is not a team that can overwhelm Korea in Xinjiang. The average height (1m76cm) is also smaller than that of Korea (1m78cm), and the maximum height (1m85cm) is also much smaller than that of Park Ji-soo (1m98cm). However, Japan won a silver medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. At that time, South Korea was eliminated after losing all three games in the group stage, and failed to advance to the final of the 2024 Paris Olympics. "Japan is a team that has international competitiveness even with its small height. You should make a lot of effort, not blame your height," he said. "Korea's strength in basketball is its speed and 3-point shooting," he said, adding, "But in the end, it didn't become an advantage."

Park Ji-soo did not hide his regret, saying, "We also want to learn a lot about advanced basketball. Since it is only played in Korea, players do not have many opportunities to experience it. That part is a bit disappointing."

The women's basketball team will play the bronze medal match against North Korea on the 5th. This is her second opponent since the group stage, and Park Ji-soo's matchup is Park Jin-ah, who is 2m5cm tall. Park Ji-soo said, "I don't have to be nervous anymore, I just want to show my best performance, and if all players do the same, wouldn't there be good results?" He added, "During the last game, I wasn't able to understand Park Jin-ah, but now that I know a bit, I will play smartly. "He expressed his determination.