SEOUL — South Korea’s climbing sensation, Lee Do-hyun, has made history by winning his first gold medal at the IFSC Climbing World Championships. Competing at the K-SPO Dome in Olympic Park, Seoul, Lee topped the men’s lead event, marking a monumental victory for himself and for Korean sport climbing.

Lee’s final score of 43+ put him in a tie with Japan’s Yoshida Satone, who also scored 43+. However, Lee’s superior performance in the semifinals, where he placed second compared to Yoshida’s fifth, secured him the gold medal. This victory is not only Lee’s first gold at a World Championships but also the first time a Korean male athlete has won the men's lead event.

The win is a significant step up for Lee, who previously earned a bronze medal in bouldering at the 2023 Bern World Championships. “A World Championships gold medal was my dream, and it has finally come true,” Lee shared in a post-competition interview, his disbelief and joy palpable.

In the women's lead event, South Korea’s other star athlete, Seo Chae-hyun, continued her impressive medal streak. Seo, who won gold at the 2021 Moscow Championships and bronze in Bern in 2023, added another bronze to her collection with a score of 44+. Her consistent podium finishes solidify her status as one of the world's elite climbers.

The excitement isn't over yet for the Korean athletes. Lee Do-hyun is set to compete in the bouldering semifinals on the 28th, aiming for a second consecutive gold medal. Seo Chae-hyun will also be back on the wall, participating in the bouldering semifinals on the 27th.

The IFSC World Championships in Seoul have proven to be a showcase of top-tier talent, with both Lee and Seo delivering standout performances on their home turf. Their successes are expected to inspire a new generation of climbers in Korea and bring greater attention to the sport. The home crowd's cheers and the athletes' remarkable achievements have made this a truly memorable championship.