JAKARTA (Asian Games 2018) – Women’s Basketball 5x5 was one of the three sports at the Asian Games 2018 which Unified Korea participated in as a historical joint representation between North and South Korea. The Women’s Basketball team of Unified Korea had made it all the way to the Gold Medal game against China, but couldn’t take down the eventual Gold Medalists in a 71-65 loss.

As the clock winded down towards the final buzzer, China started their joyful celebration to savour their well-deserved victory. On the other end of the court, the players of Unified Korea were visibly disappointed but held their heads up high. It was a back-and-forth duel between the two teams throughout the entire game and the outcome was only decided in the final minutes.

It might have been a loss on the scoreboard for Unified Korea, but their presence as a symbol of unity through sports also made them winners, too.

As Unified Korea took in the moment and emotions of losing in a game with such high-stakes, their fans roared in unison of support and encouragement just as they had been doing throughout the entire tournament.

"It was just amazing to see the two teams play together as one,” said Angela Won, a South Korean living in the United States, said.

"I want to support the One Korea team. They have played as a unified team," said Lee Joo-young, a Korean based in Jakarta.

Similar-minded fans came together to root for the team as they went up against China in their final game of the tournament, hoping to witness a fairy-tale ending to what has already been a memorable run. Though Unified Korea came up short, the team spirit that joined three players from North Korea and nine players from South Korea on the same squad inspired the sports world, even outside of basketball.

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," Korea forward Kim Han-byul told AFP. "It's definitely historical – just the fact the North Korean girls are able to play with us."

Li Yueru and Shao Ting rattled off an 8-0 run early in the second half and even though Unified Korea kept fighting back and even cut the lead down to a single point, it was just not enough.

The team was on a mission at this Asian Games in Jakarta, and made all the way to the finals. They were not only out here to be a feel-good story, but wanted to end up as the ultimate winners.

Unified Korea suffered a heartbreaking loss to Chinese-Taipei in the Group phase after a blowout win against Indonesia in their first week of the competition. Three big wins later against India, Kazakhstan, and Thailand, Unified Korea got their convincing revenge against Chinese-Taipei in the Semifinals.

“North or South Korean, we all have the same desire to win,” Lee Moon-kyu, the team’s coach, told reporters after their earlier win over hosts Indonesia.

Park Ji-Su was instrumental to Unified Korea’s win in the semis, her first game in the tournament. She also played a big part in keeping Unified Korea toe-to-toe with China in the thrilling final showdown. Park – a WNBA player with the Las Vegas Aces and only 19 years of age – put up 15 points, 13 rebounds, and 6 blocks in the game.

She was left in tears in the moments after the final buzzer.

Seasoned veteran Lim Yung Hiu top-scored for Unified Korea with 24 points, but felt like the team still has room to get even better.

"I feel we didn't have enough time to practise together," said Lim Yung-hui. "We could have got a gold medal ... we tried our best."

Unified Korea’s journey at the Asian Games 2018 ends now after their loss, but their spirit and what their unification means will continue to live on and inspire others. They came together from two countries that are technically still at war, but united into one cohesive unit that were so close to winning it all.

"It's a big, big step in the right direction. Hopefully it will propel something in the future for maybe coming together again," Kim Han-byul added.

FIBA