"The Reason for Signing an Entertainment Management Contract..." The Answer Given by Kim Yeji

Announcement of Appearance in Advertisement and Drama... "My Only Goal Is Myself"

Kim Yeji, the silver medalist in the 10m air pistol shooting event at the 2024 Paris Olympics (representing Imsil County Office), recently explained that her reason for signing with an entertainment management company was “to promote a less popular sport more widely.”

On the 20th, Yonhap News reported Kim Yeji’s remarks at a press conference for Paris Olympic shooting medalists held at the Jeollanam-do International Shooting Range in Naju, Jeollanam-do.

Paris Olympic shooting medalist Kim Ye-ji is giving a media interview on the afternoon of the 20th at the Jeollanam-do International Shooting Range in Naju-si, Jeollanam-do, where the Bonghwanggi National Shooting Competition is being held.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

At the event, Kim Yeji said, “I understand that offers have come in not only from variety shows but also from game companies and American corporations for advertisements. I plan to film as long as it does not interfere with training and competitions. I am also willing to try movies and dramas,” adding, “I want to draw more public attention to shooting.”

She continued, “I felt there are limits to just achieving records and promoting shooting through sports alone. Less popular sports like shooting only gain ‘momentary’ popularity even if they win medals at the Olympics. Over time, my name will be forgotten.”

She also believed that if she engages in broadcasting activities, people will continuously recognize her as a “shooting athlete,” and having the “shooting label” attached to her would serve as an opportunity to remind the public about shooting once again.

After finishing the 10m air pistol event scheduled for the 22nd, Kim Yeji revealed her schedule, saying, “I understand that on the 23rd, I will be shooting a photo shoot for the luxury brand Louis Vuitton,” directly announcing her advertising shoot plans. She added, “We did not receive what popular sports enjoy. I hope juniors can train in better environments.”

On the 28th of last month (local time), Kim Yeji was preparing to aim at the target in the women's 10m air pistol final at the 2024 Paris Olympic shooting event held at the Ch?teauroux Shooting Center in France. Yonhap News Agency [Photo by Yonhap News Agency]

When asked if she might face criticism for filming advertisements and movies, she replied, “I shot the gun, so it can’t be helped. I have to accept it. I have no intention of making excuses,” and said, “I just need to shoot better.” Then, mentioning upcoming major competitions, she said, “There is the World Championships in a year, the Asian Games in two years, and the Los Angeles (LA) Olympics in four years.” Kim Yeji concluded, “My goal is to surpass myself every time.”

Previously, on the 28th of last month (local time), Kim Yeji won the silver medal in the women’s individual 10m air pistol event at the Paris Olympics held at the Ch?teauroux Shooting Center in France, following Oh Yejin (IBK Industrial Bank). Later, on X (formerly Twitter), a video showing Kim Yeji calmly lowering her pistol without flinching after setting a world record in the 25m pistol final at the ISSF Baku Shooting World Cup in May went viral.

Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and owner of X, praised, "It would be great if a shooting world champion appeared in an action movie," adding, "There is no need for separate acting. Let's cast them in an action movie."
[Photo by X (formerly Twitter) capture]

Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and owner of X, praised her, saying, “It would be cool if a shooting world champion appeared in an action movie,” and added, “No need for separate acting. Let’s cast her in an action movie.”