A screenshot from an SBS-TV broadcast captures the moment: Park Tae-hwan, South Korea’s iconic swimmer, transitioning seamlessly from the pool to the broadcast booth, providing expert commentary on the event

Former Korean Athletes Shine in Broadcast Commentary Booths

By Byung Kee Park

South Korea's world-class athletes are proving that their skills don't end at their respective sports; they're also excelling in the broadcasting booth.

A prime example is Park Tae-hwan, a historical figure in South Korean swimming. In the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Park achieved a monumental feat by clinching the gold medal in the 400m freestyle and a silver in the 200m freestyle, becoming the first South Korean to earn an Olympic medal in swimming. He continued his stellar performance at the 2012 Summer Olympics, securing silver in both the 400m and 200m freestyle, solidifying his reputation as Korea's top swimming icon. 

During the recent 19th Asian Games, Park showcased his expertise as a commentator for SBS-TV. Viewers praised his calm voice, insightful commentary, and the passion he displayed during key moments. One netizen commented, "I wasn't always a big fan of Park Tae-hwan, but strangely, I find myself watching swimming on SBS-TV. Park's commentary is top-notch."

Park's data-driven commentary particularly stood out. For instance, during Kim Woo-min's gold-medal-winning performance in the 400m freestyle, Park swiftly compared lap times with those from world championships, providing accurate and thrilling insights that garnered viewer appreciation.

Another prominent figure in the commentary booth was Lee Dae-hoon, a Taekwondo medalist from the 2012 London Olympics and the 2016 Rio Olympics. As a commentator for MBC-TV during the games, Lee provided in-depth analysis of the athletes' skills and the evolving nature of Taekwondo matches, making the sport more accessible to viewers.

Ha Seung-jin, the towering 7-foot-3 basketball player who was the first and only South Korean to have played in the NBA, was another highlight. Drafted 46th overall by the Portland Trail Blazers in 2004, Ha made his commentary debut for TV Chosun during the Asian Games and garnered attention with his articulate and insightful analysis. Particularly during the men's basketball match against Japan on the 30th, Ha's precise breakdown of individual player roles and strategic plays of both teams was commendable. Ha has previously lent his expertise to NBA and KBL games, building a solid foundation in the field.

Other notable former athletes turning heads as commentators during the Asian Games include Se Ri Pak (golf), Lee Hyung-taik (tennis), Chan Ho Park and Yang Jun-hyuk (baseball), and Kim Yeon-koung (volleyball).