WKBL (Korea Women's Basketball League) apologized for the unprecedented referee assignment incident.
KB beat Incheon Shinhan Bank 88-77 on the 16th at Cheongju Gymnasium in the BNK Financial 2025~2026 Women's Professional Basketball regular season to run their winning streak to two. It was the ninth win of the season. Despite adverse conditions such as a first-half deficit and foul trouble, KB dominated the game in the second half with focus.
The standout of the day was unquestionably Kang Yi-seul. Kang Yi-seul swept in 32 points, including seven 3-pointers, leading the offense. The timely long-range shots that came at crucial moments completely swung the momentum to KB. They were not just simple points but scores that saved the team.
Early in the game, KB matched up against Shinhan Bank with a small lineup. Both teams showed good perimeter touch, and a seesaw game continued amid quick transitions. With 4:45 left in the first quarter, KB inserted Park Ji-soo, and Shinhan Bank countered by putting in Mima Rui to match the height. The lead did not change hands easily.
The second quarter belonged to Shinhan Bank. They disrupted KB's offense with strong defense and gained the upper hand in the rebound battle. They were especially aggressive on offensive rebounds. It was also favorable for Shinhan Bank that Kang Yi-seul and Sakai Sara each picked up three fouls early, limiting KB's offensive options. With Choi Yi-saem's second-chance points added, Shinhan Bank finished the first half leading 44-39, a five-point advantage.
But the outcome was decided in the third quarter. Shinhan Bank collapsed in turnover and foul management. Shin Yi-seul quickly ran into foul trouble, and Mima Rui was also not free. KB did not miss that opening.
Kang Yi-seul took control of the offense. She alternated between perimeter shots and drives to generate consecutive scores, maintaining the flow even when Park Ji-soo was off the court. With Song Yun-ha's go-ahead jumper, KB ended the third quarter leading 60-58.
The early part of the fourth quarter was close again, with a tight back-and-forth for a one-point lead. But after midquarter KB created a decisive margin. From the perimeter Kang Yi-seul and inside Park Ji-soo provided the power, and with Sara's 3-pointer the score quickly went to 74-63, a double-digit lead. Shinhan Bank tried to rally, but Kang Yi-seul's outside shooting did not stop. Her sixth and seventh 3-pointers consecutively swished through the rim.
In the end the outcome tilted early. Both teams called their starters to the bench, but the flow did not change. KB maintained focus until the end and took the sweet victory.
Meanwhile, the game started 30 minutes later than scheduled due to the unprecedented situation of a WKBL referee assignment error. In response, the KB club immediately decided to offer free admission and issued full refunds to existing ticket holders.
After the game, WKBL issued an official apology saying, "We apologize to fans and related parties for causing disruption to game operations in connection with the approximately 30-minute delay in the start of the regular-season game between the KB Stars and Shinhan Bank due to referee assignment issues."
It added, "WKBL regards this matter as serious and plans to receive written explanations from the responsible parties after the conclusion of the game on the 16th to clarify the cause and responsibility for the matter. We also plan to convene the finance committee soon to comprehensively review the circumstances of the game delay and follow-up measures."
Regarding the unprecedented incident in the league's history, WKBL said, "We officially apologize to all clubs, including the two clubs that played today, for this matter, and to prevent recurrence we will pursue inspection and improvement of the overall game operation and on-site management systems," and promised, "WKBL will bear the full expense related to the spectator refund measures resulting from today's game delay."
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