UNJournal Kayla Lee  | President Yoon Suk-yeol sent congratulatory telegeams to each of the 14 South Korean athletes who have won medals over the past three days at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France.

In his congratulations to Ban Hyo-jin, the youngest member of the Korean shooting team to win a gold medal in the women's 10-meter air rifle, the President said, “The entire nation held its breath during the last single shot of the youngest member of the Korean Olympic team in Paris and cheered when she won by 0.1 points.” He praised Ban's focus and boldness in winning Korea's 100th gold medal.

In a congratulatory message to the South Korean women's archery team of Jeon Hoon-young, Nam Soo-hyun, and Im Si-hyun, who have won 10 consecutive gold medals from the 1988 Seoul Olympics to this year's Games, the president said, “We remember the glorious moment when the golden arrows of the Taegeuk archers were shot, and we will continue to support their unwavering efforts.”

“You led the team with your seniority and overcame difficult moments without wavering,” Yoon said, adding that he was proud of Jeon Hoon-young. The President congratulated Nam Soo-hyun, the youngest archer to compete at the Olympics, saying, “I hope your achievements will lead to a brilliant future,” while congratulating Im Si-hyun, saying, “I admire the boldness you showed.”

Yoon also congratulated the South Korean men's archery team of Kim Woo-jin, Lee Woo-seok, and Kim Je-deok on winning their third consecutive Olympic gold medals in the men's team event and wished them the best in their remaining competitions.

He congratulated Kim Woo-jin, the eldest member of the men's archery team, on becoming the first athlete to win three consecutive Olympic gold medals, calling him “a pillar of Korean archery,” and congratulated Lee Woo-seok on winning gold for “12 years of unrelenting challenges.” For Kim Je-deok, he said, “Your confidence and passionate fighting brought the team together.”

For Heo Mi-mi, who won a silver medal in the women's 57kg judo, Yoon said, “Her challenge and pride in the Taegeuk mark, which started with her heart for her grandmother, is the pride of the entire nation,” and that he hopes she will “grow into a giant of judo in Korea.”

For Oh Ye-jin, who won the gold medal in the women's 10-meter air pistol event, he said, “I am even more proud of her because it was the first gold medal in the women's 10-meter air pistol event for Korea, and she set an Olympic record.” 

“I saw her determination and confidence as she moved from third to second place at the end of the match,” said the President, praising Kim Ye-ji, who won the silver medal. As the only mom shooter to compete in two events, we wish her the best in the rest of the competition,” said Yoon.

The President also thanked Kim Woo-min, who won bronze in the men's 400m freestyle, saying, “A new chapter in Korean swimming has begun. We look forward to the golden era of Korean swimming led by Kim.” Kim won the fifth Olympic medal in South Korean swimming history and the first swimming medal since Park Tae-hwan.

The President also thanked Oh Sang-wook, who won gold in the men's individual sabre fencing, giving South Korea its first gold medal at the Games, saying, “We were inspired by Oh's lightning-like thrusts and loud roar, and the entire nation was moved by his determination to win.”

The president also congratulated shooters Geum Ji-hyun and Park Ha-joon for winning the first medals of the Olympics.

 
Yoon called Geum Ji-hyun, who won a silver medal in the mixed 10-meter air rifle, “a wonderful mom. In his congratulatory remarks, the president said, “I pay tribute to athlete Geum, who has achieved great results by combining training and childcare. It is the best gift to her child, who has been a great support for her determination to compete and her training process. As a top shooter and a wonderful mom, I wish her all the best for the rest of the competition.”

He also congratulated silver medalist Park Ha-joon, saying, “I look forward to seeing him grow into a pillar of Korean shooting after his great performance at his first Olympic Games.”

The President's congratulations will be delivered to the athletes locally by Korean team officials. “When I wake up late at night or early in the morning, I make sure to watch their competitions,” the president said, adding, ”I am very proud of them.”

The president was meticulous about sending congratulatory messages to each athlete after each medal win.