"This year, I plan to focus on the Korea Professional Golfers' Association (KPGA) Tour with the goal of competing at the Asian Games."
Kim Sung-hyun (Shinhan Financial Group), who had been competing on the U.S. PGA Tour this season, returned to Korea after the Valspar Championship (tied for 7th) in March. The reason was his unresolved military service obligation. Born in September 1998 and soon turning 28, Kim had no choice but to return home after his overseas travel extension permit from the Military Manpower Administration expired earlier this year.
While it could have been a disappointing moment for the golfer, Kim has composed himself to turn this time into an opportunity rather than a setback. He has resolved to compete domestically and win a gold medal at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games in Japan this September to resolve his military service issue.
After the first round of the KPGA Tour season opener, the DB Insurance Promi Open, held at Laviebelle Golf & Resort Old Course (par 72) in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province on January 16, Kim said, "Once my military issue is resolved, I can return to the PGA Tour anytime, so I have no regrets. As a Korean man, I believe fulfilling military duty is a given." He added, "Being back home means I can spend more time with my family, which is actually nice."
For the Asian Games golf competition, each country can send three male and three female players. Selection priority goes first to the top 15 in world rankings, then to Korea Golf Association (KGA) rankings. Based on current world rankings, Kim Si-woo (30th), Im Sung-jae (72nd), and Kim Joo-hyung (134th) are likely selections for the men's team.
However, since Kim Si-woo and Im Sung-jae already won team gold medals at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games, their participation decisions could open opportunities for lower-ranked players like Kim Sung-hyun (136th) and Ok Tae-hun (228th).
With renewed determination, Kim delivered an excellent performance on the day. He limited bogeys to just one while recording five birdies, shooting 4-under 68 to finish tied for 5th, one stroke behind the co-leaders.
After the round, Kim reflected, "The weather was good and the course conditions weren't bad. I started on the 10th hole (par 4) and made consecutive birdies through the 11th hole (par 5), which allowed me to play comfortably. It was a day when luck was on my side."
He continued, "Starting with this tournament, I'm working with a new coach. We're still in the testing phase, but things seem to be heading in a good direction. We need to try more things, so it will take more time."
Regarding his plans for the remaining rounds, Kim said, "It's only the end of the first round, and there are still three rounds left. The weather is good this week and my game feels sharp, so I'll maintain this momentum and give my best until the end."
Meanwhile, four players—Choi Chan, Choi Seung-bin, Lee Sang-hyup, and Jeon Ga-ram—all shot 5-under to share the lead after the first day.
Jang Yu-bin, who returned this season after playing on LIV Golf last year, and Ok Tae-hun, the 2025 Genesis Award winner, both finished the first day tied for 31st at 2-under.
