Seoul: South Korean-born speed skater Kim Min-seok has made headlines after deciding to switch his sporting allegiance to Hungary, a move he says was driven by his passion for skating. He still competes under his birth name but no longer represents South Korea in international competitions.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Kim, 26, made the switch in 2024 after securing three medals over the previous two Winter Games for South Korea. This month, he competed for Hungary at the Milan-Cortina Games but concluded his third Winter Olympics without a medal. Kim's career trajectory shifted dramatically in July 2022 when he faced an 18-month suspension from the Korea Skating Union for driving under the influence of alcohol at the national team training center.
In addition to his suspension, Kim was fined 4 million won (US$2,760) by a court in May 2023, resulting in a two-year ban from international competitions by the Korean Sport and Olympic Committee. Despite his national team suspension ending in May 2025, Kim opted not to wait and instead pursued a path with the Hungarian national team, spurred by an offer from a South Korean-born coach.
After being eliminated in the mass start semifinals at Milano Speed Skating Stadium, Kim shared with South Korean reporters that his decision to skate for Hungary was motivated by his desire to continue his career. "Skating is my life, and if I didn't get to train on a regular basis for two years, then I felt my career would be over," Kim expressed. "I agonized over that decision. I love Korea, but I love skating more. So I took the path that would allow me to continue skating."
As a Hungarian athlete, Kim did not replicate the success he achieved while representing South Korea. He finished seventh in the 1,500m, where he previously won bronze medals in 2018 and 2022, and ranked 11th in the 1,000m. His final event in Milan was the mass start, where he failed to advance past the semifinals.
Reflecting on his performance, Kim said, "I gave it everything I had and so I have no regrets. I learned a great deal at this Olympics and I believe I can get better." Previously, Kim had teamed up with Lee Seung-hoon and Chung Jae-won for a team pursuit silver medal in 2018. During the recent games, Lee served as an analyst in the broadcast booth, while Chung reached the mass start final and finished in fifth place.
Kim fondly recalled his experience at the PyeongChang Olympics, saying, "I was so honored to skate at the PyeongChang Olympics. I will never forget that experience." Despite leaving the Winter Games without a medal this time, Kim remains determined to continue his Olympic journey. "Of course, I will prepare for the next Olympics," he affirmed. "I will try to stand on a podium once again."