[Features reporter] S. Korea's aspiring figure skaters seek to become the next Kim Yuna

Sung-jin, today you've got a story related to sports?

Yes, or aspiring sports stars, figure skaters to be exact.

This year was already a great one for figure skating in Korea. We had Kim Chae-yeon taking home gold medals at both the Asian Winter Games in Harbin AND the 2025 Four Continents Figure Skating Championships, held right here in Korea last month.

That's right! Kim Chae-yeon is a name to remember, but before Kim Chae-yeon there was Kim Yuna!

You guys are all familiar with who Kim Yuna is right?

So this time I had the chance to talk to some of her highschool juniors who are also known as Kim Yuna kids, who aspire to be just like her.

Practice makes perfect.

And you need to be perfect when you are going head-to-head with your twin.

“I started skating because I just love being on the ice rink. My role model is Kim Yuna. I look up to her because there is no figure skater better than her and she is so well-rounded.”

The 17-year-old identical twins are both representing the country.

“I like how Yu-seong and I can help each other's techniques, and having her helps me feel less nervous during competitions.”

South Korea is known for its strength on the ice rink.

In the most recent Winter Asian Games, the country won gold medals in figure skating thanks to leading athletes such as rising star Kim Chae-yeon.

“Many aspiring young figure skaters like the Kim sisters dream of reaching the top and bringing more winter sports success to Korea.”

However, this success doesn't come easy. It's built on the back of a grueling schedule, made harder by the ice skating environment in the country.

“Korea has comparatively fewer ice rinks, which makes it difficult for athletes to practice. It also means that these figure skaters have to either practice early in the morning or late at night so it would be nice if the government supported in fostering these figure skaters."

The Korea Skating Union says it runs several programs to support these figure skaters.

"We try to provide a systematic training structure to promote continuous growth for these athletes including a culture and arts education program that can further develop their artistic capabilities."

Figure skating is a sport that combines technique and art.

Despite hardships, these players demonstrate a delicate beauty and grace, with hopes to become the next leading athlete.

Wow, that is really impressive.

Sungjin, do you have any interest in winter sports?

I definitely enjoy winter sports, especially skiing and skating!

Never good enough to be an athlete though.

Sung-jin, you mentioned Kim Yuna, can we talk about some of the accomplishments that Korean figure skaters have achieved so far?

Right, so Kim Yuna would be the leading figure who kicked off this figure skating boom in the country.

She definitely inspired a new generation of skaters, who have been competing in major international competitions like the World Championships and the Four Continents Championships.

Alongside female skaters, we also have a notable male skater Cha Jun-hwan who is the nation's first male figure skater to win a silver medal at the ISU World Figure Skating Championships.

And lastly for our figure skating fans, are there some upcoming events we can take a look at?

Actually, just yesterday the ISU World Figure Skating Championships 2025 kicked off in Boston in the United States.

The world's top skaters will be competing and those that show the best performances will secure a spot at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics which South Korea's figure skaters are preparing for as well.

I guess for those that are interested in watching it they can tune in and watch the championships today as well!

Thank for the report today Sung-jin!

My pleasures as always.