2024-25 South Korean Figure Skating

[LazyFuzai]

I don’t understand this comment.
Why is it a good decision? Can you elaborate?

Well.For last 3 years she did not improve a single percent in choreo part.This season she is worse when it comes to her technique as well.Also she is not looking like someone who is happy while skating in serious competition.There is not a chance for her to be someone that will get any titles.So in my opinion it's better to step out instead of destroying her legs with hard training.She can always skate in exibithion.
Anyway we will remember wooden doll .

 

[Ichatdelune]

As of this moment I'm dying but about two hours ago I was screaming in joy as my love Chaeyeon became the second Korean AWG champion in women's singles (first was Dabin)

 

[lileychristie]

@Ichatdelune JUN IS NOT GOING TO THE ARMY!!!!

 

[Ichatdelune]

I am weeping my eyeballs out, oh lord darling

First ever male Korean figure skater to win AWG gold, first of everything of Korean men's FS, and the most beautiful and radiant being in existence, my darling Cha Junhwan everyone

 

[Ichatdelune]

@Ichatdelune JUN IS NOT GOING TO THE ARMY!!!!

Technically he has to do 4 weeks of basic training but WHATEVER MY DARLING IS FREE FROM MILITARY ISSUES NOW

 

[lileychristie]

I am weeping my eyeballs out, oh lord darling

Technically he has to do 4 weeks of basic training but WHATEVER MY DARLING IS FREE FROM MILITARY ISSUES NOW

I am so happy for you Ichat!!
Both your love and your darling won AWG
I hope this really lifted up your spirits and hope to see you in the competition threads for 4CC and worlds

 

[Ichatdelune]

I am so happy for you Ichat!!
Both your love and your darling won AWG
I hope this really lifted up your spirits and hope to see you in the competition threads for 4CC and worlds

Thanks a million, I'll try to join in the competition threads at 4CCs. I'm not sure about Worlds, my life got very busy in a very good way so I may not be able to join in. I miss you and the others on the competition threads but life is life. Which I'm not doing very well because I'm still dazed about these results, I've been screaming, crying, begging, argueing, despairing, and despite it all hoping for my darling and it happened on top of my love Chaeyeon's surprise win, it actually happened oh lord is this reality

 

[zebobes]

Thanks a million, I'll try to join in the competition threads at 4CCs. I'm not sure about Worlds, my life got very busy in a very good way so I may not be able to join in. I miss you and the others on the competition threads but life is life. Which I'm not doing very well because I'm still dazed about these results, I've been screaming, crying, begging, argueing, despairing, and despite it all hoping for my darling and it happened on top of my love Chaeyeon's surprise win, it actually happened oh lord is this reality

I've been waiting to see your reaction to the news! Congratulations to Junhwan!

 

[Lamente Ariane]

Congratulations to Chaeyeon and especially to Junhwan!! Waking up to this news truly brightened my day.

 

[RatedPG]

I’m happy with these two wins too!!
Love the fact C. Kim beat Kaori
I need her to have a SB that is at least 210+ at Worlds and 4CC
To me, her PCS should be closer to Kaori level. I’m hoping she wins 4CC and wins another medal at Worlds.

J. Cha can also medal at both 4CC and Worlds. I think Yuma is trying too hard to catch up to Ilia. Meanwhile, J. Cha with his two quads and his beautiful loop combos is enough

 

[TallyT]

Thanks a million, I'll try to join in the competition threads at 4CCs. I'm not sure about Worlds, my life got very busy in a very good way so I may not be able to join in.

That sounds wonderful, I am so glad life is being kind at the minute, both with and outside skating

Wonderful results, I am thrilled for them both but especially Jun who pulled out a blinder when he really really needed to.

I've been screaming, crying, begging, argueing, despairing, and despite it all hoping for my darling and it happened on top of my love Chaeyeon's surprise win, it actually happened oh lord is this reality

It really really is, and it's made my day as well.

 

[lileychristie]

Thanks a million, I'll try to join in the competition threads at 4CCs. I'm not sure about Worlds, my life got very busy in a very good way so I may not be able to join in. I miss you and the others on the competition threads but life is life. Which I'm not doing very well because I'm still dazed about these results, I've been screaming, crying, begging, argueing, despairing, and despite it all hoping for my darling and it happened on top of my love Chaeyeon's surprise win, it actually happened oh lord is this reality

I'm so glad to hear that your life got busy in a very good way!

Actually I just remembered that Worlds is in Boston this year and the time difference is just too much for me as well (I'm on almost the same timezone as you) so I might not be able to watch Worlds live too But I'll definitely be there for 4CC! Been missing you in the competition threads

 

[lileychristie]

Now, it really doesn't feel right to post something sombre after all the celebration of AWG - but Yelim just announced her retirement in Instagram

 

[GinaHatim]

Yelim was always a delight and joy to watch, I will miss her skating so much. Hope retirement treats her well!

 

[Lamente Ariane]

So sad to hear of Yelim’s retirement, though it sounds like she’s making the best decision for her own well-being and I respect that completely. Her Mercy SP is one of my absolute favorites from this quad. The other day I was looking at photos I took in 2018 and mulling over how Yelim was the only woman still skating competitively from that Junior Grand Prix Final.

Best wishes for Yelim, she will be missed.

 

[LazyFuzai]

KSU is really suffering.Starting with the You/Haien case into two retirements.
Chaeyeon the savior to save them.

 

[RatedPG]

I think KSU is fine. Next season they have C. Kim and Jia Shin duking it out for their best Senior Lady. Both top five contenders for Olympics. Also, Ahsun and Haein as back ups. With Young You still unknown.

The 3A twins can lead the charge in JGP. I hope they work on the rest of their triples and artistry.

Yelim/S.Wi retiring is most likely cause they won’t get GP spots during Olympic season and with Jia Shin moving up next season and then the 3A twins moving up the following season, they saw the writing on the wall. I will miss Wi.

 

[Ichatdelune]

South Korean figure skating (not KSU, mind you, they 1)also have short track skating and speed skating (which they care much more about since they bring more major medals) and 2)don't do much to actually foster Korean FS, although that might change with the change in leadership (the new president used to be a figure skater)) is doing perfectly fine, thank you very much.

We still need more men (15 men in total in domestic seniors and juniors who have (or have the possibility of obtaining) stable 3-3s is far from ideal) but our cream of the crop lead by my darling are going strong, next season Jaekeun will be senior eligible (he will likely do half-and-half like Hyungyeom) with a quad toe in the works and Minkyu in his last senior ineligible season will still be one of the top junior men in the world. Also, Habin has recently posted a landed quad flip (the lad is unbelievable) and while he has made the quad sal his main quad he has landed the quad toe multiple times in domestic competitions. We'll have to see how Hyungyeom adjusts to his second full senior season and whether Sihyeong can stay healthy and get more consistent, but 4 (nearly 5) men who have at least one quad out of 15 is impressive, is it not?

And regarding the women, the retirements of my beloved and Yelim still sting like hell but we have so many talented women, the seeds that the Queen sowed with her tears and sweat are still in the process of being reaped. As mentioned, next season my love Chaeyeon and Jia will be battling it out for the top senior women's spot both in and out of Korea, Ahsun and Haein are in solid form (with the latter still practicing 3As), and while Young's status is still unknown if she returns to competition next season in form we will have five senior women who can contend for top places in international competitions. Minchae and Seoyoung (Kim, the one who went to AWG) are also there, although the former is inconsistent and the latter does not have a stable 3-3 (she has cleanly landed them in practice but not in competition) they both have special qualities (Minchae has her huge jumps and Seoyoung has her spins) that I hope will get to shine. This is far from worrying, if you ask me.

Lastly, junior women are still packed, the twins will lead the charge as expected (unless Minsol gives me the happiest of unexpected surprises) but Nayeon with her mental growth and improved consistency will also be aiming for higher results as well, and the two Jiyu's (especially Huh with her 3-3) along with Geonhee, Minsong, Hyowon, Hyorin, and Jiyoon (all with 3-3s) will be fighting for JGP spots along with Seojin (if her consistency is improved she will garner major points and standing, if only) and Jeongyul (if Coach Chi and team help her regain her consistency she will not be someone to ignore). I'm not sure whether Gyuri will move up to domestic seniors and compete at JGP selections (her skate at NWSF was worrying, she might have an injury) and while I adore her as Doi's 3-3 is wonky as of now she might not opt to go for the 7th level test before JGP selections, but they might surprise me and shine in the international stage. And this is me not mentioning about 5 skaters that may or may not make a breakout, like I said junior women are packed.

I'd love to have a Korean pairs team again (Hyejin and her new partner are there but I'm not thinking of them as our team unless he gets a release and comes to Korea to compete) and Hannah and Ye are still our only senior ID team (the 2(or 3) junior teams are still in development), but I don't think anybody needs to worry for the state of Korean FS as of now. I was freaking out at the start of the season with so much depressing news, but things have been going upwards and now I'm only worried as I normally am. Bottom line: I can write a wall of text on the subject of "Why you shouldn't be concerned for Korean FS", and I just did.

 

[4everchan]

South Korean figure skating (not KSU, mind you, they 1)also have short track skating and speed skating (which they care much more about since they bring more major medals) and 2)don't do much to actually foster Korean FS, although that might change with the change in leadership (the new president used to be a figure skater)) is doing perfectly fine, thank you very much.

I have been following the short track world tour this year... South Korea is NOT good... I never thought this would happen in my life... but I guess, the sport really goes into cycles. Of course, it doesn't mean they will not peak in 2026 in time for the games but right now, KSU should value figure skating which is on a better trajectory than short track.. I wonder if Korean media is being super harsh with short trackers because really, it's hard to find a "white tiger" on the podium these days.

And regarding the women, the retirements of my beloved and Yelim still sting like hell but we have so many talented women, the seeds that the Queen sowed with her tears and sweat are still in the process of being reaped. As mentioned, next season my love Chaeyeon and Jia will be battling it out for the top senior women's spot both in and out of Korea, Ahsun and Haein are in solid form (with the latter still practicing 3As), and while Young's status is still unknown if she returns to competition next season in form we will have five senior women who can contend for top places in international competitions.

I am not worried about your glorious women ! You have more than you need... even without Minsol...

Lastly, junior women are still packed, the twins will lead the charge as expected (unless Minsol gives me the happiest of unexpected surprises) but Nayeon with her mental growth and improved consistency will also be aiming for higher results as well, and the two Jiyu's (especially Huh with her 3-3) along with Geonhee, Minsong, Hyowon, Hyorin, and Jiyoon (all with 3-3s) will be fighting for JGP spots along with Seojin (if her consistency is improved she will garner major points and standing, if only) and Jeongyul (if Coach Chi and team helps her regain her consistency she will not be someone to ignore). I'm not sure whether Gyuri will move up to domestic seniors and compete at JGP selections (her skate at NWSF was worrying, she might have an injury) and while I adore her as Doi's 3-3 is wonky as of now she might not opt to go for the 7th level test before JGP selections, but they might surprise me and shine in the international stage. And this is me not mentioning about 5 skaters that may or may not make a breakout, like I said junior women are packed.

I'd love to have a Korean pairs team again (Hyejin and her new partner are there but I'm not thinking of them as our team unless he gets a release and comes to Korea to compete) and Hannah and Ye are still our only senior ID team (the 2(or 3) junior teams are still in development), but I don't think anybody needs to worry for the state of Korean FS as of now. I was freaking out at the start of the season with so much depressing news, but things have been going upwards and now I'm only worried as I normally am. Bottom line: I can write a wall of text on the subject of "Why you shouldn't be concerned for Korean FS", and I just did.

Yup. I am not worried one bit. It may take a bit longer because KSU realizes that with the strength in singles, and a decent ice dance team (very young folks who could keep skating for a long time), they need to make more than one pairs team happen. Pairs is really tricky and vital for team events...

In any case, I am bouncing off your wall, and i am not worried either.... but for short track... I am curious to know what is happening...

 

[Ichatdelune]

I have been following the short track world tour this year... South Korea is NOT good... I never thought this would happen in my life... but I guess, the sport really goes into cycles. Of course, it doesn't mean they will not peak in 2026 in time for the games but right now, KSU should value figure skating which is on a better trajectory than short track.. I wonder if Korean media is being super harsh with short trackers because really, it's hard to find a "white tiger" on the podium these days.

In any case, I am bouncing off your wall, and i am not worried either.... but for short track... I am curious to know what is happening...

Huh, I don't follow short track for the most part but at the AWG the skaters looked fine? Choi Minjung (my fave) won three gold medals iirc, Kim Gilli and Park Jiwon (in men) also won two golds if my memory serves me right, teams were disastrous but overall it was a successful competition for the short track team. Of course, it could be that the stronger competition is in North America or Europe, but I have faith in the short track team as well, they tend to peak during Olympic season (again, iirc). Korean media is not interested in winter sports unless there's a major event like AWG or the Olympics so while I haven't checked I don't think our short track skaters would have suffered from harsh press. But again, I don't follow short track that much, I only know that Minjung is my personal GOAT