South Korea’s figure skating scene has undergone a renaissance in recent years, thanks to the emergence of a new generation of talented skaters. Following in the footsteps of Olympic champion Yuna Kim, who put South Korea on the global figure skating map, athletes like You Young and Cha Jun-hwan are now leading the charge, capturing the attention of fans and judges alike.
At the 2024 World Figure Skating Championships, South Korea’s skaters delivered strong performances, with Cha Jun-hwan finishing in the top five in the men’s competition and You Young securing a podium finish in the women’s event. Their success is a testament to the country’s growing figure skating program, which has benefited from increased investment in coaching and facilities.
The rise of figure skating in South Korea can be attributed in part to Yuna Kim’s legacy. Her 2010 Olympic gold medal inspired a generation of young skaters, and the sport has since gained a significant following in the country. Ice rinks, once scarce, are now more common, and young athletes are flocking to learn the art of figure skating.
As South Korea looks ahead to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy, hopes are high that the country will continue to make its mark in figure skating. With a strong crop of young talent and a growing infrastructure, South Korea’s future in the sport looks bright.
