Minister You In-chon of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism sent a congratulatory message to Seo Seung-jae and Kim Won-ho (both from Samsung Life Insurance), who partnered together to win the men’s doubles at the '2025 Badminton World Federation (BWF) World Tour Super 1000 All England Open.'
The Seo-Kim duo defeated the Indonesian pair of Leo Rolly Carnando and Bagas Maulana 2-0 (21-19, 21-19) in the finals held in Birmingham, England, on the 17th. This marks the first time in 13 years that a South Korean men's doubles team has reached the pinnacle of the All England Open since Lee Yong-dae and Jung Jae-sung in 2012.
In his congratulatory message, Minister You said, “Congratulations to the athletes Seo Seung-jae and Kim Won-ho for reaching the top of the world.” He noted, “By conquering the 2025 Malaysia Open, Germany Open, and All England Open, they achieved the remarkable feat of consecutive victories in three international competitions this year, bringing joy and excitement to our citizens. In particular, this victory is a significant achievement made 13 years after the win of Lee Yong-dae and Jung Jae-sung in 2012.”
He also encouraged them, stating, “Let us once again celebrate this invaluable achievement with the citizens, and I hope they will showcase their excellent skills at the upcoming 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. I will always support you.”
The 'All England Open Badminton Championships,' organized by the Badminton World Federation, is the oldest and most prestigious tournament in the world, established in 1899. In this tournament, South Korea achieved two gold medals and one bronze medal, finishing third overall.
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