Badminton world number one An Se-young has committed to playing in the upcoming Korea Open while withdrawing from the Kumamoto Masters in Japan, balancing a demanding pursuit of single-season history against mounting physical strain.

An Se-young Enters the Korea Open Field

World badminton governing body records confirm that An Se-young will headline the Korea Open Super 500 tournament running from 3 to 8 of [mes no especificado], 2026, at the Jinnam Gymnasium in Yeosu, South Jeolla Province. The 24-year-old Samsung Life star opens her domestic campaign in the women’s singles round of 32 against Bulgaria’s 38th-ranked Kaloyana Nalbantova on the opening day.

Domestic fans will catch the world’s top-ranked player despite rigorous scheduling demands that fueled speculation over her tournament availability. An chose to honor her commitment to her home fans while restructuring her late-season itinerary.

Kumamoto Masters Withdrawal and BWF Regulations

Conversely, An’s name appears on the official Badminton World Federation withdrawal list for the Kumamoto Masters Super 500, scheduled for 10 to 15 of [mes no especificado], 2026, in Kumamoto, Japan. Taiwanese media outlet Taisounds highlighted that skipping the Japanese tour stop leaves an open question regarding BWF tournament participation requirements.

Under governing body regulations, singles players must contest two Super 500 tournaments annually. Taisounds noted that An has not yet logged a formal appearance in that category this season, raising the technical possibility of a financial penalty unless she receives a medical exemption for documented injuries.

Physical Toll of a Record-Chasing Autumn

The decision to drop the Japan trip stems directly from a punishing physical workload accumulated since September 2026. Taisounds reported that after capturing the women’s singles gold medal at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games in Japan, An immediately traveled to Europe to sweep consecutive titles at the Denmark Open and the French Open.

That European swing left clear physical marks. Taisounds noted that An competed through right Achilles tendon discomfort, wrapping her right knee and calf with supportive tape during the French Open final. She ultimately defeated India’s Pusarla Venkata Sindhu 2-1 on October 25 to claim her tenth overall victory of the year, pushing her seasonal record to an astonishing 66 wins against just one loss—a 98.5% win rate that dates back to her All England Open final defeat in March.

Chasing Kento Momota’s Single-Season Mark

Entering the Korea Open gives An a direct path toward historic territory in front of home supporters. Having already secured ten tournament crowns this season, a victory in Yeosu would secure her 11th title of the campaign for the second year.

That milestone would equal the record of greatest number of titles in a single season established by Japan’s Kento Momota in 2019. Having previously triumphed at the Korea Open in both 2022 and 2023, An continues her pursuit of an outright historical record for single-season titles as the global badminton calendar winds through its final stretch.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does An Se-young play her opening match at the Korea Open?

An Se-young faces Bulgaria’s Kaloyana Nalbantova in the women’s singles round of 32 on the 3rd, 2026, at the Jinnam Gymnasium in Yeosu, South Jeolla Province.

What record is An Se-young chasing at the Korea Open?

An is pursuing her 11th title of the season, which would equal the record for greatest number of titles in a single season set by Japan’s Kento Momota in 2019, while also hunting her third career Korea Open crown.

Why did An Se-young withdraw from the Kumamoto Masters?

An pulled out of the Japanese tournament to secure necessary rest following an intense physical stretch that included gold medals at the Asian Games, Denmark Open, and French Open.

Could An Se-young face a penalty for skipping the Kumamoto event?

Taisounds noted that BWF regulations require players to enter two Super 500 tournaments annually, meaning An could face a fine unless she successfully applies for a medical exemption regarding her documented physical fatigue and injuries.