[The Interview] Meet speed skater star Lee Na-hyun who completed Winter Asian Games medal sweep

The latest Asian Winter Games in Harbin was another stage for Team Korea to prove their excellence on ice.

It was also an opportunity to discover rising stars and their talents, including this speed skater who returned home with 4 medals.

Our Park Kun-woo sat down with her.

Two gold medals, one silver, and one bronze.

South Korean speed skater Lee Na-hyun's achievements at the 2025 Asian Winter Games.

Skating since the age of eight, Lee recalls how she began realizing her talent as a young child.

"I won gold medals in most of the races when I first started. I was very into the sport since I was very young and I think I enjoyed every moment."

That's how things continued.

Last year, Lee broke the junior world record in the 500-meters and then went on to win medals in every race at the Asian Games this year.

Although Lee humbly said it feels like she has just taken her first step in her career, she is hungry for more medals.

"I would love to win so many races as possible." I'll try to get hundreds, but I think honestly like 10 to 15 is my goal right now."

Showing her humility, she even said she first needs to improve her skills.

"My goal is just to keep showing people that I improve in every races and also to show them good conditions in the Olympics. I would love to get a medal but first my goal is to do all the things that I practice in training."

This mindset ties into her personal life motto.

"I always tell myself let's not make this regrettable, let's show everything I've got. Keep training hard until your role model becomes your rival."

Called the "Next Lee Sang-hwa," Lee spoke with admiration for her role model.

"I love that nickname and I feel honored and it makes me feel like I have to do more harder. If I meet her I would say I'm a fan of you and I want to be like you so please watch how I do."

Looking ahead, Lee plans to skate for at least another decade, leaving a message to her future self.

"Ten years later I would tell myself to just enjoy skating like no need to get a medal, just keep pushing myself hard. Just do it, as you can always quit."

She also expressed her desire to remain the first athlete that comes to mind when thinking of speed skating, while requesting more support for both the sport and herself.

Park Kun-woo, Arirang News.