Shin Dongbin Backed Injured Choi Gaon... Steadfast Support Behind Her 'Golden Miracle'

Lotte sponsorship rewrites the history of Korean snow sports
Comprehensive support from training camps and equipment to mental care
"I just hoped you would finish without injury": Shin Dongbin's heartfelt letter

At the 2026 Milan-Cortina d'Ampezzo Winter Olympics, Korea's snow events achieved a historic feat by winning gold, silver, and bronze medals for the first time. Observers say this success was backed by the steadfast support of Lotte Group and its chairman Shin Dongbin, who have consistently invested more than 30 billion won over the past 12 years.

Chairman Shin, who has long sponsored ski and snowboard events, sent a letter on the 13th to congratulate Choi Gaon of Sehwa Girls' High School, who won Korea's first-ever gold medal in a snow event at the Milan-Cortina d'Ampezzo Winter Olympics.

Choi Gaon, who won the women's snowboard halfpipe final at the 2026 Milan-Cortina d'Ampezzo Winter Olympics held on the 13th at Livigno Snowpark in Italy, is holding her gold medal and tearing up. Yonhap News

Choi Gaon captured gold in the women's snowboard halfpipe at the 2026 Milan-Cortina d'Ampezzo Winter Olympics with a score of 90.25 points, becoming the first Korean athlete ever to win an Olympic gold medal in a snow event. In addition to Choi Gaon, Kim Sanggyum of High1 won silver in the men's parallel giant slalom, and Yoo Seungeun of Seongbok High School claimed bronze in the women's big air, setting a new milestone in the history of Korean snow sports. Analysts say this achievement is the result of a harmonious combination of the athletes' talent and hard work, the dedication of their families, and Lotte Group's long-term sponsorship.

The reward system to boost motivation and broaden the base was also 'unprecedented'

Since taking office as president of the Korea Ski & Snowboard Association in 2014, Chairman Shin has provided more than 30 billion won in support to date. In addition, Lotte has gone beyond simple sponsorship to push for institutional improvements. The association expanded its rules so that prize money is awarded not only to medalists at international competitions such as the Olympics, World Championships, and World Cup events, but also to athletes who finish between 4th and 6th place. This is seen as having helped enhance athletes' motivation and broaden the sport's base. Lotte also signed memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with snow-sport powerhouses such as the United States, Canada, and Finland to promote technology exchanges and information sharing. Overseas training camps, participation in international competitions, and support for the latest equipment have also been provided on an ongoing basis.

Choi Gaon performs a trick on her first run in the women's ski and snowboard halfpipe final at the 2026 Milan-Cortina d'Ampezzo Winter Olympics. Yonhap News

In particular, Chairman Shin's support played a decisive role in Choi Gaon's golden story, as she hung her first Olympic gold medal around her neck at these Games. In 2024, Choi underwent back surgery after suffering an injury during a FIS World Cup event. At that time, Chairman Shin covered the entire cost of her treatment, which amounted to about 70 million won. This effectively gave her a platform for a comeback at a critical crossroads in her athletic career.

In the congratulatory letter sent shortly after the competition, Chairman Shin wrote, "When I saw you take a hard fall on your first run, I only hoped you could finish the event without getting injured," adding, "I am proud and impressed that you overcame a long rehabilitation and wrote a new chapter in the history of Korean snow events." In a handwritten thank-you note in the past, Choi had pledged to come back, saying, "Thanks to your help, I was able to receive treatment and recover with peace of mind," and that promise was fulfilled two years later with an Olympic gold medal.

From founding the team to mental and language training: truly 'all-round support'

Lotte's support was truly all-encompassing. In 2022, Lotte launched the Ski & Snowboard Team and directly recruited teenage prospects. Beyond sponsorship funds, individual training expenses, and equipment support, the company also provided mental training, English education, and health management programs, creating an environment where athletes could focus on improving their performance. Another notable feature was the systematic management of training schedules and participation in international competitions through dedicated managers. Chairman Shin is known to have consistently stressed, "We should spare no support so that talented athletes can focus solely on competing."

Yoo Seungmin, president of the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee (right), presented a plaque of appreciation to Shin Dongbin, chairman of Lotte Group, at Lotte World Tower in Songpa-gu, Seoul, around January. Korean Sport & Olympic Committee, Yonhap News

As a result, at these Olympics, Choi Gaon (300 million won for gold), Kim Sanggyum (200 million won for silver), and Yoo Seungeun (100 million won for bronze) will each receive prize money in accordance with the association's reward regulations. The fact that Korea, once considered barren ground for snow sports, has now emerged as a "medal event" nation is highly meaningful, as it underscores that this success stems not from a short-term initiative but from long-term investment and systematic support.