"Loser's Dignity Shin Yubin is Excellent"... Japanese Media and Netizens Praise Highly [Paris Olympics]

Shin Yubin, Women's Singles Bronze Medal Lost Narrowly
Teary-Eyed but Congratulated Opponent Japanese Player
Japan Praises "Moved by Korean Player's Hug"

In the women's singles bronze medal match at the 2024 Paris Olympics table tennis event, Shin Yu-bin failed to secure a medal but received praise from Japanese netizens for her smiling face as she congratulated her opponent, Japan's Hayata Hina. On the 3rd (local time), Shin Yu-bin lost to Hayata 2-4 (11-9 11-13 10-12 7-11 12-10 7-11) at the South Paris Arena 4 in Paris, France.

On the 3rd (local time), at the South Paris Arena in Paris, France, she shed tears after losing to Japan's Hayata Hina in the women's singles bronze medal match of the 2024 Paris Olympics table tennis event, failing to secure the bronze medal. [Image source=Yonhap News]

After the match, Shin Yu-bin looked up at the air once in disappointment. However, she soon smiled brightly, approached Hayata, hugged her, and offered congratulations. She then walked around the court, making eye contact with the audience and greeting them, who responded with applause. Later, in the mixed zone, Shin Yu-bin explained her respectful behavior toward the winner, saying, "I have watched Hayata for a long time. She really worked hard and played with great determination," adding, "I wanted to acknowledge that part. I also congratulated her with the hope of becoming a stronger player myself."

On X (formerly Twitter), praise from Japanese netizens poured in. Ito Mima, the 2021 Tokyo Olympics mixed doubles gold medalist, wrote on her Instagram account, "Both players worked hard under a lot of tension, and I was moved by the Korean player's hug at the end." One netizen commented, "Even though she missed the medal, her actions toward Hayata were touching. I hope Koreans will celebrate Shin Yu-bin," while another praised her as "an excellent player with skill and manners despite being only 20 years old."

Japanese commentators also praised Shin Yu-bin's mature attitude. According to a report by Japanese media NNN, Hiroko Fujii, who was the commentator for the match, said, "Even though Shin Yu-bin lost, her approach to the winner saying 'congratulations' showed her human side," and added, "Although she is only 20 years old, her overall ability, technique, and fighting style have deepened compared to before."

Local Japanese media such as Daily Sports also reported, "Shin Yu-bin approached Hayata, who was sitting on the court crying at the moment of victory, and hugged her with a smiling face," adding, "Although the Korean table tennis prodigy must have been upset about missing the medal, her continuous smile during the match and her blessing of Hayata were impressive." They also introduced the reactions of their netizens, reporting, "Fans who fall for Shin Yu-bin's charm may increase."

Shin Yu-bin, who won a bronze medal in the mixed doubles at this Paris Olympics, will compete in the women's team event starting on the 5th, aiming for her last medal. Korea's first opponent in the round of 16 in the team event is Brazil.