(C) Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism

On the afternoon of March 17, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Choi Hwi-young welcomed the Republic of Korea national team at Incheon International Airport Terminal 2 upon their return from the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Paralympics.

The welcoming ceremony, co-hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Para Sports Association, was attended by approximately 100 people, including Jung Jin-wan, President of the Korea Para Sports Association, Chef de Mission Yang Oh-yeol, athletes, and their families. The event celebrated the conclusion of the ten-day journey with a competition result report, the returning of the national flag, floral tributes, and the announcement of the Most Valuable Player (MVP).

Minister Choi presented bouquets to the athletes, expressing words of encouragement and gratitude for their determination to push beyond their limits.

The South Korean delegation achieved its best-ever performance in Winter Paralympic history, securing 2 gold, 4 silver, and 1 bronze medal to finish 13th overall.

Notably, athlete Kim Yun-ji set a new record for the most medals won in a single Games by a Korean athlete, claiming five medals in total, including the first-ever Winter Paralympic gold medal won by a Korean woman. Additionally, Lee Je-hyeok earned the first-ever medal in Korean Paralympic snowboarding history, while Baek Hye-jin and Lee Yong-seok added to the significance of the achievement by winning a wheelchair curling medal for the first time in 16 years.

“The indomitable will and precious achievements of our athletes have set a new milestone in the history of Korean winter sports,” Minister Choi stated. “I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the athletes who brought great pride to the nation, as well as to their families, coaches, and all officials who dedicated themselves to this cause.” He further emphasized, “We will continue to spare no effort in providing policy support so that our athletes can pursue their dreams in an even better environment.”