"Not Awkward Even on the Runway"…Foreign Media Amazed by Kim Yeji Syndrome [Paris Olympics]

CNN "Internet Falls in Love with Korean Sniper"
"Unbelievably Cool," SNS Reactions Introduced
Kim Yeji to Compete in 25m Pistol Events on 2nd and 3rd

International media also highlighted the explosive popularity of Kim Yeji, the silver medalist in shooting at the 2024 Paris Olympics. On the 31st of last month (local time), the American CNN published an article titled "The Internet Falls in Love with the Olympic Sharpshooter Who Set a New Record in Korea." Once featured as a major article in CNN's 'Sports' section, the article described Kim Yeji as an "unbelievably cool internet star who casually broke the world record." It praised Kim Yeji's style during the competition, including the hat and glasses she wore, saying it "would not look out of place on a runway."

On the 28th of last month (local time), Kim Yeji was aiming at the target during the 5-minute practice session before the women's 10m air pistol final at the 2024 Paris Olympics held at the Ch?teauroux Shooting Center in France.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 28th of last month, Kim Yeji attracted great attention for her characteristic expressionless demeanor during the women's 10m air pistol final at the 2024 Paris Olympic shooting event. Earlier, Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and owner of X (formerly Twitter), expressed on X, "It would be cool if a shooting world champion appeared in an action movie," adding, "She should be cast in an action film." This led to renewed interest in footage of Kim Yeji competing in the 25m pistol event at the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup held in Baku, Azerbaijan, last May. The video on X has garnered over 7 million views. CNN described, "In the video, Kim Yeji wears her hat backwards over her short bob haircut and stares at the target with a steely gaze through her shooting glasses," adding, "She looks like she could be a character in a science fiction movie."

In Korea, videos showing Kim Yeji's "unexpected charm" after winning the silver medal have also gained popularity. Unlike her sniper-like expressionless look while aiming at the target during the competition, videos on social media show her smiling brightly after the event, waving to the audience, and joyfully holding up her medal.

Additionally, in an interview conducted immediately after winning the silver medal, when asked, "What would you like to say if you get to talk to your (5-year-old) daughter on the phone?" she replied with a smile, "I think I would tell her that mom has become a little famous." Regarding her determination for the remaining events, she playfully raised her eyebrows and said, "I always have confidence. Even if I don't do well, I will definitely show you a gold medal. If you believe in me, I, Kim Yeji, will definitely win a medal in the 25m event." Netizens responded with support and praise, saying, "Her cheekiness is so charming." Kim Yeji will compete in the 25m pistol events on the 2nd and 3rd, aiming for the gold medal.