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President Lee hosts luncheon to celebrate Olympic national team

Published: 05 Mar. 2026, 19:08

Olympic snowboard gold medalist Choi Ga-on speaks during a luncheon hosted by President Lee Jae Myung to congratulate the Korean national team, which competed in the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, at the state guesthouse of the Blue House in Jongno District, central Seoul, on March 5. [YONHAP]

President Lee Jae Myung hosted a luncheon at the Blue House's Yeongbingwan state guesthouse on Thursday to praise Korean athletes who competed in the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics for their achievements.

“Members of the Korean national team who gave us great inspiration and pride through challenges that pushed them beyond their limits — you are the pride of Korea,” said Lee during the luncheon. “Thanks to our proud athletes, we were able to spend a warmer and more enjoyable winter than we have during any other year.”

Lee went on to congratulate gold medalists individually by name.

“Despite failing twice in the final, you did not give up and displayed overwhelming technique to win Korea’s first gold medal in an Olympic snow event,” the president said to snowboard halfpipe gold medalist Choi Ga-on. “I hear you have three fractures. I hope you recover quickly.”

Among the short track speed skaters, he mentioned “two-time champion Kim Gil-li, who earned the nickname ‘Lambor-Gilli’ for her explosive acceleration, and Choi Min-jeong, who became Korea’s most decorated Olympic athlete with a total of seven medals.”

Lee also acknowledged the hard work of not only the athletes but also the head coach, assistant coach, chef de mission, vice chef de mission and team officials.

President Lee Jae Myung, right, raises his glass as national team Olympic short track speed skating gold medalist Kim Gil-li offers a toast during a luncheon hosted by Lee at the state guesthouse of the Blue House in Jongno District, central Seoul, on March 5. [JOINT PRESS CORPS]

President Lee Jae Myung, center left, shakes hands with a member of the Korean national team who competed in the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics during a luncheon at the state guesthouse of the Blue House in Jongno District, central Seoul, on March 5. [JOINT PRESS CORPS]

President Lee Jae Myung, back center, and first lady Kim Hea Kyung, back right, are seen attending a luncheon hosted by Lee at the state guesthouse of the Blue House in Jongno District, central Seoul, on March 5. [YONHAP]

“I would especially like to thank the staff of the meal support center who kept our team strong with Korean lunch boxes throughout the competition,” Lee said to the 10 workers from the center who also attended the luncheon.

Athletes themselves also delivered remarks during the event.

Kim Jae-youl, the president of the International Skating Union and member of the International Olympic Committee, salutes the Korean flag during a luncheon hosted by President Lee Jae Myung at the state guesthouse of the Blue House in Jongno District, central Seoul, on March 5. [YONHAP]

“Athletes are made not only by individual effort but also by encouragement from those around them and the competitors who sweat alongside them,” snowboarder Choi said. “Rather than shining alone, I will strive to become a player with both skill and character who can spotlight winter sports and snowboarding.”

“My 10th-place result may be nothing more than a number to some people,” said skeleton athlete Jung Seung-gi, who overcame a serious injury to compete this year. “But to me, it is proof of a miracle that I can walk, run and dream again.”

“While some sports allow athletes to continue training during military service, winter sports athletes do not have that opportunity yet,” said Jung after noting that he will enlist in the military in May. “I sincerely ask that a minimal foundation be provided so we can fulfill our duty of national defense and our mission as national team athletes.”

Skeleton national team athlete Jung Seung-gi speaks during a luncheon hosted by President Lee Jae Myung to congratulate the Korean national team, which competed in the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, at the state guesthouse of the Blue House in Jongno District, central Seoul, on March 5. [YONHAP]

Olympic snowboard gold medalist Choi Ga-on, center standing, speaks during a luncheon hosted by President Lee Jae Myung to congratulate the Korean national team, which competed in the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, at the state guesthouse of the Blue House in Jongno District, central Seoul, on March 5. [YONHAP]

Short track speed skater Kim proposed a toast.

“Standing here makes me feel deeply moved, as if the long Olympic journey has finally come to a beautiful end,” she said before leading the chant “Team Korea,” to which attendees responded, “Fighting.”

After the toast, girl group ILLIT and boy band Cortis performed. Kim, who was seated next to the president, was seen dancing in her seat, and the other athletes also sang along and enjoyed the festivities.

Figure skaters Lee Hae-in, center, and Shin Ji-a, right, are seen during a luncheon hosted by President Lee Jae Myung at the state guesthouse of the Blue House in Jongno District, central Seoul, on March 5. [YONHAP]

President Lee Jae Myung, center left, first lady Kim Hea Kyung, center right, and members of the Korean national team to the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics pose for a photo during a luncheon hosted by Lee at the state guesthouse of the Blue House in Jongno District, central Seoul, on March 5. [BLUE HOUSE]

This article was originally written in Korean and translated by a bilingual reporter with the help of generative AI tools. It was then edited by a native English-speaking editor. All AI-assisted translations are reviewed and refined by our newsroom.
BY YOON SUNG-MIN [[email protected]]