⛸️ This Week's Figure Skating Hot Issues Summary! - 2026.04.12 | Figure Skating

Hello, figure skating fans! ⛸️ This is editor 'Figure Lover'. There was so much hot news on and off the rink this week. From the rebirth of a legendary program to heartwarming news of national team athletes, and dating rumors that shook figure skating fans worldwide! I'll summarize everything for you right now. Are you ready? 😉

🦢 The Eternal Queen, Kim Yuna's 'Danse Macabre' Reborn as Ballet!

Our eternal 'Figure Queen' Kim Yuna has returned to the stage instead of the ice! The news is that she made an unprecedented transformation into a 'ballerina' 12 years after her retirement ^[1]. She reinterpreted the legendary short program 'Danse Macabre', which gave her her first World Championship win in 2009, into ballet ^[1]. Korean National Ballet Artistic Director Kang Sue-jin stepped up as a mentor, and Google's AI 'Gemini' participated as a collaborator throughout the creative process, from drafting the choreography to stage direction and costume design ^[1]. Seeing Kim Yuna gracefully performing 'Danse Macabre' en pointe will truly be a special gift for fans!

☕ Lee Hae-in's Transformation into a 1-Day Barista & Honest Confession

Athlete Lee Hae-in held a charity fan meeting in Sinchon on the 5th, transforming into a '1-day barista' ^[2]. The enthusiasm was so hot that applications closed in just 20 seconds, and all proceeds generated from the event will be donated to an infant orphanage ^[2]. Particularly at this fan meeting, Lee Hae-in opened up about her feelings after the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics and the Prague World Championships. Having achieved a valuable 8th place at the Olympics, Lee Hae-in expressed her deep affection, saying, "Figure skating is a lifelong companion that I have a love-hate relationship with" ^[3]. It was touching to see her express gratitude, saying she could return to the ice without giving up despite harsh trials thanks to the fans' support ^[3].

🩷 Pink Vibes? Lee Hae-in & Ilia Malinin Dating Rumors

The biggest interest of figure skating fans around the world these days! It's the dating rumor between athlete Lee Hae-in and the 'Quad God' Ilia Malinin ^[4]. After a photo of the two posing affectionately at the ISU awards ceremony following the World Championships in Prague, Czech Republic, was posted on Lee Hae-in's SNS, it has become a hot topic among fans ^[4]. Japanese and American media are also paying attention to their relationship, expressing anticipation for the "birth of a mega couple of active top athletes" ^[4]. Athlete Malinin also mentioned the psychological crisis he experienced after the Olympics and left an honest interview about his feelings regarding the scandal with Lee Hae-in ^[5]. Everyone is watching with a pounding heart to see if a national-level star couple will be born!

🌍 Cha Jun-hwan Steps Up as Korea's Public Diplomacy Ambassador

Our leading figure skater Cha Jun-hwan participated in the launching ceremony of the supporters for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' public diplomacy YouTube channel 'KOREAZ' on the 10th ^[6]. He joined a campaign to communicate with the global public and spread Korea's charm ^[6]. Cha Jun-hwan shared a meaningful thought, saying, "While living as an athlete, I felt that if each person's small efforts come together, they can create a bigger change" ^[6]. Aren't we so proud of Cha Jun-hwan showing such wonderful steps not only on the ice but also outside? 👏

🗣️ Amber Glenn's Honest Confession and Synchronized Skating News

American athlete Amber Glenn, who placed 6th at the recent Prague World Championships, hinted at the possibility of retirement while confessing the physical struggles and psychological pressure she experiences after competitions ^[7]. She honestly opened up about the hardship of female figure skaters having to wear thin costumes even during menstruation, saying she is completely exhausted, drawing sympathy from fans ^[7]. It makes us realize once again that the health and mental care of athletes are truly important. Also, the 2026 ISU Synchronised Skating World Championships were held in Salzburg, Austria! Don't miss out on checking the live footage of the exquisite and beautiful free skating performances by the world's top teams ^[8].

That's all for this week's news! I hope you received plenty of energy from the passionate news of the athletes on this warm spring day. I'll be back with more fun and fruitful news next week! 🌸⛸️