South Korea, previously locked in a close battle for third place, has been overtaken by Japan at the Rhine-Ruhr Summer World University Games, dropping to fourth in the overall standings.

As of July 26, South Korea has secured 17 gold, 8 silver, and 22 bronze medals, ranking fourth behind the United States, China, and Japan.

Japan, which trailed South Korea by four gold medals just two days ago, has surged ahead with 22 gold, 13 silver, and 20 bronze medals, climbing to third place overall.

Despite strong performances by South Korean athletes—such as claiming victory in the women’s archery compound team event and individual golds by Jonghun Kim in the men’s judo 90kg class and Hayun Kim in the women’s judo over 78kg category—the gold medal gap with Japan has widened.

A total of 226 South Korean athletes, including 136 men and 90 women, are competing across 13 sports disciplines at this year’s event. The Korean team is focusing all efforts on the remaining competitions in hopes of regaining ground in the final days.

However, with a five-gold margin now separating the two nations, a late-stage upset is looking increasingly unlikely.

Last year, at the 31st Summer World University Games in Chengdu, China, South Korea finished third with 17 gold, 18 silver, and 23 bronze medals.

Note “This article was translated from the original Korean version using AI assistance, and subsequently edited by a native-speaking journalist.”

Photo=Yonhap News, Official Rhine-Ruhr Summer Universiade Website