Korean Delegation Sets Top 10 Goal at Milan-Cortina d'Ampezzo Winter Olympics Decision Ceremony

Minister Choi Huieong: "Already a Source of Pride for Korea"

The opening of the 2026 Milan-Cortina d'Ampezzo Winter Olympics is now about two weeks away.

On January 22, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism held the "2026 Milan-Cortina d'Ampezzo Winter Olympics Korean National Team Decision Ceremony" at Olympia Hall, Olympic Parktel, Songpa-gu, Seoul, to encourage the athletes and officials participating in the Games.

Approximately 100 people attended the ceremony, including Minister Choi Huieong, Lee Seungmin, President of the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee, Lee Sugyeong, Head of the Korean Delegation (President of the Korea Skating Union), as well as executives from the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee and officials from various sports federations.

Choi Hwi-young, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism (left), is taking a commemorative photo with short track skater Choi Minjeong (right) and speed skater Jeong Jaewon at the "2026 Milano-Cortina d'Ampezzo Winter Olympics Korean National Team Send-off Ceremony" held at Olympia Hall, Olympic Parktel, Songpa-gu, Seoul on the 22nd (local time).
Photo by Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism

In her congratulatory remarks, Minister Choi Huieong said, "The perseverance, passion, and teamwork you have built through mutual trust are already a great source of pride for Korea," and added, "I hope that the tradition and reputation established in ice sports, as well as the new narratives of challenge that will unfold in snow and sledding events, will shine proudly on the world stage."

Minister Choi Huieong delivered commemorative gifts and an encouraging message to short track skater Choi Minjeong and speed skater Jeong Jaewon, stating, "With the strength of galloping hooves, we cheer for the indomitable spirit of Korea that will awaken the world," wishing them the best of luck.

In his opening remarks, President Lee Seungmin said, "As someone who has experienced the Olympic stage before you, I know well the weight of the sweat and time you have invested to stand here," and urged, "Now, trust in your preparation and focus on your competitions and your moment." He also promised, "Through the 'Team Up Korea' support program, the Committee has prepared to help you concentrate on your events in various areas, and we will continue to provide athlete-centered support on site."

Head of Delegation Lee Sugyeong stated, "Our goal is to finish in the top 10 in the overall standings."

Korea has shown strong performances at the Winter Olympics since short track became an official event, starting with a 10th place finish at the 1992 Albertville Games. Korea only fell outside the top 10 in 2002 Salt Lake City (14th), 2014 Sochi (13th), and 2022 Beijing (14th). At the 2010 Vancouver Games, Korea achieved its best-ever result, finishing 5th overall.

Choi Huieong, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism (fourth from the right in the front row), is shouting "Fighting" together with Lee Seungmin, President of the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee (fourth from the left in the front row), at the "2026 Milan-Cortina d'Ampezzo Winter Olympics Korean National Team Decision Ceremony."
Photo by Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism

The 25th Winter Olympics, the Milan-Cortina d'Ampezzo Games, will be held from February 6 to 22 in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy. Around 2,900 athletes from about 90 National Olympic Committees (NOCs) will compete for 116 gold medals across 8 sports and 16 disciplines.

So far, the Korean delegation consists of 71 athletes and 59 officials. The number of athletes has increased by 6 compared to the 2022 Beijing Games.

By sport, snowboarding has the largest number of athletes with 11. Next are short track and bobsleigh with 10 each, speed skating with 9, curling with 7, and figure skating with 6.