(C) News.com.au

SEOUL – Kim Bo-reum (32, Gangwon Provincial Office), the long-standing face of South Korean long-track speed skating and a silver medalist at the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics, has officially announced her retirement from competitive skating.

On December 30, Kim shared a heartfelt message on her social media, marking the end of a career that spanned over two decades. "I first stepped onto the ice at the age of 11, and from 2010 to 2024, I spent the majority of my life as a member of the national team," Kim wrote. "I have decided to conclude my life as an athlete at the end of this year."

A Career Defined by Perseverance
Kim’s rise to prominence began in 2011 when she secured a silver medal in the women’s 3,000m at the Astana-Almaty Winter Asian Games. She eventually solidified her status as a powerhouse in the mass start event, culminating in a silver medal performance on home ice during the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics.

However, her career was also defined by one of the most publicized controversies in Korean sporting history. During the PyeongChang Games, she was accused of "bullying" teammate Noh Seon-yeong during the team pursuit event after Noh fell behind the pack. The ensuing public backlash was severe, taking a heavy toll on Kim’s mental health and leading to a period of total withdrawal from public life.

Vindicated and Resilient
The narrative shifted significantly following a special audit by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, which concluded that there was no intentional "bullying" or "exclusionary skating" involved. Despite the vindication, the emotional scars remained.

Reflecting on those tumultuous years in her retirement post, Kim admitted, "The journey was not easy. There were moments of joy, but I also endured times that are difficult to put into words. The reason I was able to stand my ground until the end was because I never let go of my skates."

She added, "If I can be remembered as an athlete who did not give up despite many difficulties and setbacks, that will be enough for me."

Looking Toward the Future
Throughout her career, Kim remained a dominant force in South Korean skating, representing the transition of the sport from short-distance dominance to long-distance competitiveness. Even after the 2018 controversy, she continued to compete at a high level, participating in the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics and showing the world her commitment to the sport she loved.

"Skating was my entire life from the moment I first stepped on the ice as a child," Kim said. "I will move forward on my new path without wavering, using the mindset and attitude I learned through sports. I sincerely thank everyone who silently supported and loved me so that I could come this far."

With Kim Bo-reum hanging up her skates, South Korean speed skating loses one of its most resilient figures. While her competitive era ends here, her legacy of endurance in the face of national scrutiny serves as a powerful chapter in the history of Korean winter sports.