President Lee hosts Winter Olympics team, says "You are the pride of the Republic of Korea"

[The Financial News] President Lee Jae-myung on the 5th hosted a luncheon at the Yeongbingwan State Guest House for the national team heading to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, declaring, "You are the pride of the Republic of Korea," and pledging stronger support for winter sports. President Lee said, "We will continue to expand training infrastructure, including competition venues for winter sports that meet international standards," adding, "We will also improve regulations so that everyone in the country can easily watch international competitions."
The luncheon, held under the theme "A fiery challenge beyond limits, a Korea that shone on the world stage," brought together athletes, coaches and support staff from short track, figure skating, curling, bobsleigh and skeleton, luge, snowboarding, skiing and biathlon. Officials from the presidential office, the government and sports organizations also attended.
President Lee and the first lady entered the venue around noon, shook hands with the athletes and exchanged greetings before taking their seats. In his remarks, President Lee said, "I would like to thank our national team athletes, who wore Korea over their hearts and moved us with the powerful pride and emotion of pushing beyond your limits," and added, "I am also deeply grateful to all those who worked hard, including the head coach, coaching staff, team officials and the catering support center." He went on, "Snowboarding opened a new chapter by winning our first medal and first gold medal of these Games," highlighting Choi Gaon, who claimed Korea's first gold in a snow event, and praised the short track team, saying, "You once again proved your overwhelming dominance," as he commended Kim Gil-li, Choi Min-jeong and the relay squad.
Speaking on behalf of the athletes, Choi Gaon said, "I would like to thank the President for arranging such a meaningful occasion despite his busy schedule," and pledged, "I will do my best so that I can be invited here again after the Olympics four years from now." Jung Seung-gi, reflecting on his rehabilitation process, remarked, "I realized that true victory is not defeating others, but having the courage to stand up again in the moments when you want to give up." He then pointed out, "Winter sports athletes currently have to suspend training when they enlist, because the Korea Armed Forces Athletic Corps has no winter sports teams," and requested, "Please establish at least a basic framework that will allow us to fulfill both our duty of national defense and our mission as national team athletes."
The toast was proposed by Kim Gil-li. Kim said, "I would like to thank the President and the people for cheering us on so that our Taegeuk Warriors can burn with passion on the cold ice in Milan," then led the shout of "Team Korea," to which the attendees responded with "Fighting."

west@fnnews.com Reporter Seong Seok-woo Reporter