▲ This photo shows President Lee Jae Myung on Sept. 19, 2026. (Yonhap)

SEOUL, Sept. 19 (Yonhap) -- President Lee Jae Myung on Saturday voiced support for the South Korean team as the 20th edition of the Asian Games opened with a ceremony in Nagoya, Japan.

The Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, the continent's largest sporting event, kicked off a 16-day run through Oct. 4, with athletes from 45 participating nations competing for 469 gold medals in 43 sports and 71 disciplines.

"I cheer on the South Korean team in their spirited challenge," Lee wrote on his X account. "Athletes, now you begin. Show fully what you are capable of, trusting in the sweat and hard work you have put in to wear the national flag on your chest."

The president said all Koreans will cheer for the national team, encouraging the athletes to return home without injuries.

"Along with the public, I will cheer for the 1,052-strong South Korean team," he said.

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