Cha Jun-hwan steps away from the ice for now and returns to acting in TVING sitcom 'Palace Land'

[Financial News] South Korean men's singles figure skating star Cha Jun-hwan, 24, is temporarily putting his competitive career on hold and returning to acting in TVING's original sitcom 'Palace Land'.
According to Yonhap News and other outlets on the 14th, TVING announced that Cha Jun-hwan will appear in the sitcom 'Palace Land', set to premiere in 2027.
'Palace Land' tells the hard-luck survival stories of amusement park part-timers struggling behind the scenes of a fantastical world. Cha will play Seong Dae-han, a new cast member at Palace Land.
Cha made his debut as a child actor in 2006, before gaining recognition as a figure skater. He appeared in dramas including 'Miracle', 'The Return of Iljimae' and 'Just Looking at You', and will return to acting through 'Palace Land' after 18 years.
Earlier, on the 12th, Cha announced on his social media account that he was suspending his competitive career.
“After finishing last season, I gave a great deal of thought and consideration to my future activities,” he said. “After much deliberation, I decided not to continue my national team activities or compete in events this season.”
He continued, “I have also wrapped up my contract with Seoul City Hall after thorough discussions with the Seoul Metropolitan Government. I sincerely thank the Seoul Metropolitan Government and Seoul City Hall officials for believing in me and supporting me wholeheartedly.” He added, “I’m sincerely grateful to everyone who always cheers me on and gives me strength. I’ll continue to show you my best.” He did not, however, say whether he would retire or when he might return.
Cha placed 15th at the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics, setting a new record at the time for South Korea's best-ever Olympic finish in men's singles figure skating. He went on to win the 2022 ISU Four Continents Figure Skating Championships, take silver at the 2023 ISU World Figure Skating Championships and gold at the 2025 Harbin Asian Winter Games, and place fifth at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics and fourth at the 2026 Milan Winter Olympics, establishing himself as a leading figure in South Korean men's singles skating.
Cha was invited to the Cup of China, the third event, and the NHK Trophy, the sixth event, in the 2026–2027 International Skating Union (ISU) Grand Prix series, but he is not expected to compete following this decision.
Meanwhile, Cha, who signed an exclusive contract with entertainment agency Fantagio last April, is expected to focus on popular culture activities for the time being, including starring in the August ice show 'Solo Leveling on Ice (on ICE)'.


[email protected] Kim Su-yeon Reporter