Olympic Fencing Living 'Legend' Gu Bon-gil Settles in Busan

The Gold Medal Sword from the Paris Olympics, Gifted to Busan City
Busan City Hall Team Ushers in a New Era of Epee and Sabre

The living 'legend' of Olympic fencing, Gu Bon-gil, has once again made Busan his home.

The Busan Metropolitan City Government (Mayor Park Hyung-jun) announced on the 13th that they have made a bold move to recruit Gu Bon-gil and Jo Yong-jun to the Busan City Hall men's fencing team this year, aiming to open a new chapter in Busan fencing history.

Gu Bon-gil won the gold medal in the men's sabre team event at last year's Paris Olympics, achieving a three-peat in the Olympics and establishing himself as a 'legend' in the fencing world.

A graduate of Dong-Eui University in Busan, he signed off his contract with the Korea Sports Promotion Foundation after the Paris Olympics and expressed his desire to "contribute to the development of fencing in Busan," which led to this successful recruitment.

Gu Bon-gil has distinguished himself in major domestic and international competitions, earning a reputation as a gold medal maker. Recently, he continues to demonstrate his skills by securing first place in the sabre individual event at the 105th National Sports Festival in 2024 and first place in the sabre team event at the 2024 Tbilisi World Cup in Georgia.

Jo Yong-jun is emerging as a promising talent. Born in 2002, Jo made a mark by winning first place in the sabre team event at the 62nd National Fencing Championships. He is expected to be an important asset in writing the future of Busan fencing.

The Busan City Hall men's fencing team had previously focused on the ?p?e category, but with the recruitment of Gu Bon-gil and Jo Yong-jun, the team has expanded its roster to include the sabre category as well.

With Gu Bon-gil's recruitment as a turning point, a foundation has been laid for outstanding athletes from Busan to continue their athletic careers in Busan after graduation. Strengthening the Busan City Hall fencing team serves as a stepping stone toward becoming a 'fencing powerhouse city' in the future.

Mayor Park Hyung-jun of Busan said, "Gu Bon-gil gifted the fencing sword he used in the Paris Olympic finals and expressed his desire to contribute to the development of fencing in Busan," adding, "Through this recruitment, we will strive to make Busan a 'sports paradise' city."