Kim Jong-kyu, actor Hwang Jung-eum's ex, to call basketball for KBS at Asian Games

Active professional basketball player Kim Jong-kyu will serve as a commentator for KBS's broadcast of the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.

KBS will air the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games under the slogan "Becoming One Again, the Asian Games Are on KBS Too," covering the 16-day event from the Sept. 19 opening ceremony to the Oct. 4 closing ceremony.

KBS announced Wednesday that Kim would join as a commentator for men's basketball at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.

Kim was part of South Korea's men's basketball team that won gold at the 2014 Incheon Asian Games. His appointment has drawn attention because he is an active professional player, not a retired athlete, taking on commentary duties for a major international multi-sport event.

In a video KBS released, Kim first appeared in workout gear before changing into a suit and saying, "Commentary? I'll give it a try."

Kim once made a bold declaration at the time of his No. 1 overall draft pick — "I'll turn things around. I know the feeling" — a pledge that went on to shake up the KBL. In the new video, he revived that vow, saying, "I'll turn things around. I know the KBS feeling."

Kim's first Asian Games broadcast will be a men's basketball preliminary match, which begins before the opening ceremony.

South Korea's men's basketball team will play its first Group A match against Saudi Arabia at 4 p.m. Thursday. KBS 2TV will air the game live starting at 3:45 p.m., with Kim teaming up with commentator Son Dae-beom and announcer Lee Young-ho.

Kim and Son will then call South Korea's matches against Indonesia at 4 p.m. Friday and against Japan at 7 p.m. Sunday.

Meanwhile, Kim previously drew attention in the entertainment world over his relationship with actor Hwang Jung-eum.

In July 2024, when reports surfaced that Hwang was dating the basketball star, her side said, "It is true that she recently developed feelings for him, but it is still an early stage." Two weeks later, however, her side announced the breakup, saying, "The two, who had feelings for each other and were carefully getting to know one another, have decided to remain on good terms as acquaintances."