Bae Sung-jae and Park Ji-sung, known as Korea’s representative sports broadcasting duo, are teaming up once again for the 2026 North America World Cup.
A press conference for JTBC’s “2026 FIFA North America World Cup” was held on the morning of the 21st at the Grand Ballroom of the Ambassador Seoul Pullman Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul.
Attendees included JTBC broadcasting director Kwak Jun-seok, casters Bae Sung-jae, Lee Kwang-yong, and Jung Yong-gum, as well as commentators Park Ji-sung, Kim Hwan, and Lee Ju-heon.
Unlike the previous Winter Olympics, JTBC will broadcast the World Cup alongside KBS. Bae Sung-jae and Park Ji-sung, who previously worked together on SBS, are reuniting at JTBC to bring a distinct edge to the coverage.
When asked about his thoughts, Bae Sung-jae shared, “I’ll be broadcasting the World Cup with commentator Park Ji-sung for the third consecutive time, following Russia and Qatar. We’re close even outside of work.” He added, “I set him up on a blind date and got him married. I have the achievement of marrying off the nation’s most eligible bachelor. It’s my life’s greatest achievement,” leaving the room in laughter.
He continued, “Because of that friendship, I want to enjoy this World Cup like I’m traveling with a friend and deliver great news. Even if the results aren’t great, that’s still a part of World Cup and sports history.”
Park Ji-sung joked back, “I have a debt of gratitude to pay Bae Sung-jae, so I’m just being dragged along.”
He also added, “Through the previous two broadcasts, our chemistry is improving, and I’m gaining more know-how. To provide great commentary this time, my wife, who is a former announcer, is putting me through rigorous training.” He showed strong determination, saying, “I think this is an opportunity to show a different side of my commentary.”
Regarding their chemistry, Park Ji-sung noted, “I’m preparing to score over 90 out of 100 this time. I think the first time was under 80, and the second was around 85.” Bae Sung-jae countered, “I’ve always thought we were above 90. I’ll work hard to make it 100.”
At the end of the conference, Bae Sung-jae revealed why he specifically wants to work with Park Ji-sung.
“Beyond our personal friendship, I believe commentator Park Ji-sung is someone who knows how to win and achieve good results from the World Cups he played in. I believe he holds the answer for Korean football,” he began.
He explained, “Perhaps that’s why Park Ji-sung was defensive during press conferences and interviews as a player. He knows the weight of his words, so he keeps them brief. But during commentary, he always gives accurate answers when asked. He might sound a bit blunt sometimes, but his MBTI is ‘F’. Even under pressure, he provides precise answers.”
He recalled, “During the Russia World Cup, when we were trembling in fear against a powerhouse like Germany, commentator Park Ji-sung said the Korean national team was worth believing in. No one believed it then, but after the victory, everyone did. During the Qatar World Cup, he predicted Morocco would create a storm, and Morocco actually broke all expectations to reach the semifinals.”
Bae Sung-jae added, “I’m curious about what he’ll say this time. We haven’t had deep discussions yet, but since I believe Park Ji-sung knows the answer for Korean football, I plan to ask him various questions in the commentary booth. Please listen closely.”
It’s also notable that caster Lee Kwang-yong, a former KBS announcer, has joined the JTBC broadcasting team.
Lee Kwang-yong said, “Caster Bae Sung-jae is more of a veteran in World Cup experience than I am. This is my fourth, and his fifth. After leaving KBS, where I spent over 20 years, I vaguely dreamed of being in a World Cup commentary booth. I’m truly grateful to JTBC for the opportunity.”
He added, “In a situation where I didn’t know if I’d be able to do the World Cup, I memorized the order of all groups from A to L for the 48 countries after the draw last December. If you ask, I can tell you any of them. I wanted to show how sincere I am about the World Cup.”
Meanwhile, the 2026 North America World Cup will be the first-ever joint tournament hosted by three countries (USA, Canada, and Mexico). It will be the largest World Cup ever, expanding to 48 teams with a total of 104 matches. It runs from June 11 to July 19.
South Korea is placed in Group A with Mexico, South Africa, and the Czech Republic, starting the group stage with a match against the Czech Republic on June 12 at 11 AM (KST).
