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Athlete Update25 May 2026

South Korea Announces 2026/27 Short Track National Team

By Short Track Manager

koreanational-teamteam-selection2026-27trials

Speed Skating Korea has announced its 16-member national team for the 2026/27 international season, following the conclusion of the national selection trials held in Seoul in April.

Trial Format

The selection process took place at the Mokdong Ice Rink in Seoul across two phases:

  • 1st trial: April 7–9
  • 2nd trial: April 11–12

Athletes competed in the 500m, 1000m, and 1500m disciplines across both phases, with combined ranking points determining team selection.

Selected Squad

Women (8 athletes)

Individual & Relay

AthleteRole
Kim Gil-liAuto-selected (2026 Worlds criteria)
Choi Min-jeongIndividual + Relay
Shim Suk-heeIndividual + Relay

Relay Only

Athlete
Kim Min-ji
Choi Ji-hyun

National Team Reserves

Athlete
Kim Geon-hee
Noh A-reum
Park Ji-won

Men (8 athletes)

Individual & Relay

AthleteRole
Rim Jong-unAuto-selected (2026 Worlds criteria)
Lee Jeong-minIndividual + Relay
Kim Tae-sungIndividual + Relay

Relay Only

Athlete
Bae Seo-chan
Shin Dong-min

National Team Reserves

Athlete
Lee Kyu-ho
Lee Dong-hyeon
Nam Yoon-chang

Key Notes

Choi Min-jeong topped the women's trials and has publicly stated that 2026/27 will be her final international season, adding extra significance to her presence in the squad.

Lee Jeong-min won the men's overall trials and is positioned to be Korea's primary senior men's individual event starter on the World Tour.

Hwang Dae-heon, one of Korea's most decorated recent stars, was absent from the trials process due to injury and recovery, and is not part of the selected team from this process.

Source: Speed Skating Korea official selection announcement, April 2026