South Korea’s billiards national team has made a triumphant return after 16 years, as the Korean Billiards Federation (K-Billiards) officially confirmed its roster on April 29, 2026. The announcement came following the final round of the national selection tournament held at the DN Coliseum in Jamsil, Seoul.
Why it matters: The reestablishment of the billiards national team marks a strategic move toward competing in the upcoming 2030 Doha Asian Games, where billiards will be featured as an official event.
The federation aims to bolster its international competitiveness and build a solid foundation for the team.
This is the first time a national billiards team has been formed since the 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games.
With billiards returning as a medal sport, the federation is committed to creating a sustainable training and support system for athletes.
Driving the news: The final selection round concluded with the federation confirming 15 athletes across four disciplines: Carom 3 Cushion, Pocket 9 Ball, Snooker, and English Billiards.
In the Carom 3 Cushion men’s division, top players include Jo Myung-woo (Seoul City Hall), Heo Jeong-han (Gyeongnam Billiards Association), and high school student Song Yun-do (Hongseong High School).
The women’s division features Heo Chae-won (Seoul Billiards Association), Kim Ha-eun (Namyangju Billiards Association), and Choi Da-young (Chungbuk Billiards Association).
In the Pocket 9 Ball men’s category, Lee Dae-kyu (Seoul City Hall), Hwang Yong (Jeonnam Billiards Association), and Ko Tae-young (Gyeongbuk Sports Council) were selected.
For the women’s team, Seo Seo-ah (Incheon Sports Council), Lee Ha-rin (Gyeongbuk Billiards Association), and Lim Yoon-mi (Seoul City Hall) secured spots.
Three representatives were also chosen for Snooker and English Billiards, with each discipline contributing to the team’s strength.
State of play: The selection process involved two rounds, with the first held from April 18 to 22 and the final round on April 28 and 29.
Jo Myung-woo, the world’s number one player in Carom 3 Cushion, was automatically selected due to his ranking.
Song Yun-do expressed his excitement about joining the national team, stating, “I’m thrilled to compete alongside world-class players and will work hard to improve.”
Heo Jeong-han, who participated in the 2010 Asian Games, is eager to win gold this time around.
The big picture: The K-Billiards Federation is looking to establish a long-term operation plan, dubbed "Road to 2030," aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of South Korean billiards on the international stage.
Federation President Seo Su-gil emphasized that this national team formation is a stepping stone toward achieving success at the Asian Games.
The federation plans to implement systematic training, mental coaching, and international competition participation to support the athletes.
Long-term objectives include integrating regular training systems and enhancing the operational framework for the national team.
What they're saying: Players and officials have shared their thoughts on the newly formed team and future aspirations.
“This selection is just the beginning. We aim to make our mark in international competitions,” Seo Su-gil said.
Jo Myung-woo remarked, “Being part of the national team is a great honor, and I will do my best to raise the profile of Korean billiards.”
Seo Seo-ah, last year’s world champion, stated, “I want to continue my winning streak and deliver great results for the team.”
By the numbers: The national team consists of 15 players across four billiards disciplines.
Three players were selected for each of the Snooker and English Billiards categories.
The selection process took place over a span of ten days, culminating in the final round.
The 2030 Doha Asian Games will feature billiards as a medal sport for the first time since 2010.
What's next: The K-Billiards Federation is set to kick off its training program for the national team.
The federation will focus on establishing a competitive training environment and preparing athletes for upcoming international events.
Plans include regular assessments and adjustments to training regimens to maximize performance potential.
With the Asian Games approaching, the federation is determined to build a strong team capable of competing for medals.
The formation of the national billiards team revives a long-standing tradition and sets the stage for a new era of competitiveness in South Korean billiards as they aim for success at the 2030 Doha Asian Games.