Korea’s U-20 men’s ice hockey national team delivered a spectacular performance in Bucharest, finishing the 2026 IIHF U-20 World Championship Division II Group A with a flawless record and securing promotion to Division I Group B. Across five intense matches, the young squad proved that Korean ice hockey is steadily gaining momentum on the international stage.
Hosted at Berceni Arena between January 4 and 10, the tournament marked a major comeback for international ice hockey in the heart of Romania’s capital. Teams from Great Britain, Korea, Croatia, China and Spain joined the host nation Romania in a week filled with speed, power and unforgettable moments on ice.
The perfect run to the top
Led by head coach Oh Sea-an, Korea dominated the competition from start to finish. Their journey to gold included commanding victories over Croatia (12–2), Great Britain (4–0), China (4–1) and Spain (8–1), before closing the tournament with a thrilling 5–2 win against host Romania.
With five wins out of five matches and a total of 15 points, Korea finished at the top of the standings, followed by Great Britain and Croatia. Romania placed fourth, while China and Spain completed the ranking. This impressive performance earned Korea promotion to Division I Group B, where they will face strong opponents such as Japan, France, Poland, Estonia and Lithuania next season.
A dramatic final showdown
The decisive match against Romania was packed with emotion. The hosts opened the score early, but Korea responded immediately. Just one minute later, Lee Jun-seo equalized, setting the tone for a fierce battle.
Kim Beom-su then put Korea in front after a well-timed assist from Kim Jeong-jun. Despite conceding an equalizer early in the second period while shorthanded, the Korean team showed remarkable resilience. Lee Gwang-hyeon restored the lead, followed shortly by Kim Ji-an, extending Korea’s advantage.
As the clock ticked down, Kim Jeong-jun sealed the victory with an empty-net goal, confirming Korea’s championship title in dramatic fashion.
Young talents, big dreams
The Korean squad, composed of players born in 2006 and 2007, had an average age of just 19 – a true youth team with remarkable maturity and discipline. Many of the players come from prestigious academic institutions such as Korea University, Yonsei University and Kwangwoon University, reflecting Korea’s strong university-based sports system.
This model allows young athletes to combine intensive training with academic education, offering a balanced pathway between professional sport and personal development. It is no coincidence that many of Korea’s recent ice hockey stars have emerged from this environment.
Stars of the tournament
Several players stood out throughout the championship. Kim Jeong-jun led the scoring chart with an impressive 2 goals and 13 assists, earning the Best Forward award. His vision, speed and leadership were key factors in Korea’s success. Lee Gwang-hyeon, strong both offensively and defensively, was named Team MVP, thanks to his consistency and crucial goals during decisive moments.
Coach Oh Sea-an praised his players’ unity and determination: “Despite injuries, the team showed incredible dedication. They proved the power of being ‘one team.’ I believe we can achieve strong results in the higher division as well.”
Ice hockey’s return to Bucharest
Attending this championship was a special experience for me personally. It was my first time ever watching ice hockey matches live, and the energy inside Berceni Arena completely exceeded my expectations. I went there specifically to support the Korean team, and from the very first puck drop, I was impressed by the speed, intensity and discipline of the game.
The atmosphere was electric – every goal, every save and every body check was met with loud reactions from the crowd. Seeing international hockey return to the heart of Bucharest felt truly exciting, especially for someone discovering this sport for the first time.
After the games, I even had the chance to take photos with some of the players. They were incredibly kind and humble, despite their huge achievement. Their positive energy showed the true spirit of the team – not only talented athletes, but also respectful and warm young people who proudly represent their country.
Looking ahead
This championship is part of a long-term project aimed at building a competitive national team for the 2029 Winter Asian Games. Korea’s flawless run in Bucharest clearly showed their growing strength and ambition on the global ice hockey scene.
With promotion secured and confidence at an all-time high, Korea’s U-20 team now looks ahead to tougher challenges, ready to prove that their success in Romania was only the beginning.
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