SOUTH KOREA’S dream of going to the Rugby World Cup was dashed by Hong Kong in the Asia Rugby Championship final, but the nation will still have a representative.
Kobe Steelers and Japan fly-half Seungsin Lee, 22, is ethnically Korean and became the first player to star for the Brave Blossoms having attended a Korean school when he made his debut against Uruguay in June 2022.
Lee’s grandfather, Yeongchul Kim, brought the family over to start a new life, presumably never envisaging that his grandson would represent their adopted nation on the rugby field.
And while Lee is adamant his future lies with Jamie Joseph’s side, having idolised legendary Japanese wing Hirotoki Onozawa as a youngster, he is more than happy to do his bit for the game he loves in Korea, who are ranked 30th by World Rugby.
“I have never thought about playing in Korea or for Korea because I picked up the oval ball here in Japan,” explains Lee, who represents the Land of the Rising Sun alongside the South Korea-born prop Ji-won Koo.
“I have grown up as a rugby player in this country, always admiring all the Japan national team players and I wanted to be one of them in the future, which is why I will always play for the Japan national team.
“Since I’ve been playing for Japan, I get a lot of messages from players who are playing rugby in Korea. I also had the chance to have dinner with the president of the Korean Rugby Union. I could have a closer relationship with people involved in rugby back in Korea.
This story is from the August 2023 edition of Rugby World.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August 2023 edition of Rugby World.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS!
As the domestic season comes to a close, we take a look across the English pyramid to see which community clubs have tasted success
Japan's landmark
The Brave Blossoms are preparing for an historic first home Test against England. Rich Freeman explains why it means so much
WHAT IT'S LIKE TO ...BRING RUGBY TO INDIA'S STREETS
RW finds out why Kolkata kids are picking up the oval ball in Quins shirts
Anthony Brooke
Mixed ability sport might not exist but for this multiple award-winner
SCOTT ROBERTSON
The new All Blacks head coach awaits the arrival of England on tour before embarking on a first Rugby Championship. We tune into his method and mindset...
SYDNEY GREGSON
The England centre hopes Saracens can right past wrongs in the play-offs
STATE OF PLAY
Uncertain futures on the SVNS series, funding issues and the small matter of the Olympics - former captain TOM MITCHELL looks at what's going on with Team GB
MAX POWER
His jump to senior standout has impressed many in Scotland and Glasgow's MAX WILLIAMSON has shown there is a way forward
KWAGGA SMITH
The Springboks have a point to prove against Ireland, says the flanker
Nash smashes on!
A BREAKTHROUGH STAR IN THE SIX NATIONS, MUNSTER WINGER CALVIN NASH HAS DONE IT THE HARD WAY