SHENZHEN (China) - For seasoned veteran Kang LeeSeul, the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup 2025 has become a defining chapter in her distinguished career. Now in her fifth Asia Cup appearance, Kang has helped Korea take a vital step on their path to redemption with a thrilling 78-76 victory over New Zealand on Day 2.
Before leaving the game late in the third quarter, Kang poured in 19 points, grabbed 5 rebounds, dished out 3 assists and drained six three-pointers. She set the tone for a hard-fought win that avenged Korea’s narrow loss to the Tall Ferns in 2023. The victory not only restored pride but also reignited Korea’s hopes of returning to the top four.
Kang was keenly looking forward to this game, aching for payback against the team that, for the first time in tournament history, denied them a place in the semi-final.
"They (New Zealand) defeated us in the last tournament. Because of them, we fell outside of the top four teams," Kang reflected.
"This is my fifth time playing at the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup," she said. "It’s my first time as a team captain. I feel new and excited about that."
Recall that Kang has played at every FIBA Women's Asia Cup since 2017. She's seen many ups and downs, but their falling short in 2023 hit differently.
"In the last tournament, we did not really play well," she recalled. "This time, of course, we want to have a better result at the end."
The sting of 2023 still fuels Korea’s fire. Despite that, Kang is clear-eyed about the importance of every opponent and every game. She knows they cannot afford to overlook anyone.
"Regardless of our opponents, we have to execute our plan and do what we practiced," she shared. "We have to be confident throughout the tournament. That can help bring us to top four and even higher."
Kang’s resilience and steady hand will continue to be vital as Korea seek to bounce back from a historic setback in 2023. Her ability to lead by example, especially through clutch shooting, defensive intensity, and calm under pressure, anchors a squad blending veteran savvy with youthful energy.
As Korea navigate a fiercely competitive field featuring powerhouses like China, Japan and Australia, Kang LeeSeul’s leadership will be instrumental in steering the team toward redemption and renewed glory.
FIBA