Mayor Lee Donghwan Encourages Im Joungeon: "Will Be a Strong Support for Korean Short Track"

Goyang Holds Welcoming Press Conference for "Hero of Milan" Im Joungeon
Im Joungeon Responds to Goyang Citizens' Support with a Moving "Medal Ceremony"

Goyang Special City (Mayor Lee Donghwan) held a welcoming press conference on the 27th in the city hall's main conference room to celebrate the achievements of Im Joungeon, a short track medalist at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics and a member of the Goyang City Hall Skating Team.

Goyang Special City (Mayor Lee Donghwan) held a welcome press conference on the 27th in the city hall large conference room to celebrate the achievements of Lim Jong-eon, a short track medalist at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics and a member of the Goyang City Hall skating team.

The press conference was designed as a warm celebration of Im Joungeon's remarkable accomplishments, going beyond a simple question-and-answer session.

In particular, Im Joungeon presented the silver and bronze medals he wore at the Olympics to Mayor Lee Donghwan in a special ceremony. This act, which expressed his gratitude for the strong support of Goyang residents and the city's unwavering backing, was met with enthusiastic applause from those in attendance.

In response, Mayor Lee Donghwan presented Im Joungeon with a congratulatory flower garland and bouquet, and awarded him a performance bonus panel in accordance with relevant ordinances and regulations, commending the athlete's dedication and achievements.

Im Joungeon, who officially joined the Goyang City Hall Skating Team in January of this year, has honed his skills at Goyang Eoullimnuri Ice Rink, the city's premier skating facility, earning recognition as one of Goyang's outstanding talents.

Immediately after joining the team, he represented South Korea at the Olympics, winning a bronze medal in the men's 1000m and a silver medal in the 5000m relay. By achieving this, he has risen as the next ace of the Goyang City Hall Skating Team, following in the footsteps of veteran athletes such as Kwak Yoon-Gy and Kim Alang.

Notably, as the anchor in the 5000m relay, Im Joungeon held off a fierce home-team challenge from Italy by 0.1 seconds, an act of determination that once again demonstrated the strength of Korean short track to the world.

Goyang Special City (Mayor Lee Donghwan) held a welcoming press conference on the 27th in the city hall's large conference room to celebrate the achievements of Lim Jongun, a short track medalist at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics and a member of the Goyang City Hall Skating Team. Photo by Goyang City

Mayor Lee Donghwan stated, "Im Joungeon, who amazed the world at just twenty years old, is a great source of pride for our city. Goyang will continue to stand as a reliable pacemaker for him so that he may become a legend in Korean short track, and will always be a warm support he can return to whenever he needs rest."

Im Joungeon commented, "Thanks to Goyang City's systematic support, I was able to perform to my full potential on the big stage without being nervous. I am grateful for the city's unwavering encouragement and backing, and I will continue to strive even higher as a representative of the Goyang City Hall Skating Team."

Goyang plans to further strengthen its sports administration following this achievement. In addition to maintaining international-standard facilities such as Eoullimnuri, the city is also increasing the number of neighborhood sports venues by utilizing unused spaces, such as idle reservoirs and areas under overpasses, for tennis courts and other athletic facilities-working toward the goal of making Goyang a "healthy city" where every resident can enjoy sports as part of their daily lives.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.