⛸️ This Week's Short Track Highlights! - 2026.04.02 | Short Track

Hello, short track fans! It's your "Ice Sprinter"! ⛸️💨

Right now, in early April 2026, the 2026-2027 season short track national team 1st and 2nd trials are starting at the Mokdong Ice Rink from the 7th to the 12th. Ahead of these trials, there have been massive changes to the national team lineup. Let me bring you the news that's as surprising as a sudden overtake on the corner! 🔥

🛑 Hwang Dae-heon Temporarily Gives Up the National Flag

The hottest issue is definitely the news of Korean men's short track ace Hwang Dae-heon's absence from the national trials. By not applying for the 2026-2027 season national trials, he won't be competing in any international events this season, including the ISU World Tour and World Championships ^[5].

According to his agency, he is currently suffering from severe mental and physical fatigue, along with a minor injury he carried throughout the season, so he has decided to take a season off from the national team to rest and train individually ^[2]. Although there are lingering effects from an injury sustained just before the Milan Olympics, it seems the psychological burden from controversies and malicious comments surrounding him—such as clashes with Lin Xiaojun (Lim Hyo-jun) and Park Ji-won in the past—was the biggest factor . It's a pity we won't see him in international competitions for a while, but he is expected to get back in shape for the 2029 Almaty Asian Winter Games, so let's cheer for him to rest well and return stronger! ^[5]

👑 Return of the 'Short Track Queen', Choi Min-jeong Competes!

There's also great news! Choi Min-jeong, who announced her Olympic retirement after the Milan Olympics saying "You won't see me on the Olympic stage anymore," is lacing up her skates again to compete in these national trials! ^[4] Although she wrapped up her Olympic journey, she didn't announce her retirement as an athlete or from the national team. She has been consistently and quietly training to prepare for the new season even after the Olympics ^[2].

In a recent interview, she expressed gratitude for being compared to Italian legend Fontana, but drew a line by stating that the Korean system, which involves many training camps and international competitions, is different ^[4]. Aren't you excited for her race where she will put down the pressure for results and just skate happily? My heart is already pounding at the thought of seeing her perfect skating, coolly overtaking from the outside lane again! 🚀

🎫 Lim Jong-eon & Kim Gilli, Automatically Selected!

Lim Jong-eon and Kim Gilli, who dominated the ice by each winning two gold medals at the 2026 World Championships! Both skaters have been honored with automatic selection to the men's and women's national teams in recognition of their outstanding performances ^[1]. Since they can avoid the fierce, blood-drying competition of the trials and prepare for the new season comfortably, I firmly believe they will show tremendous explosive power in the upcoming World Cup series and various international events! 🥇

👏 'Vancouver Double Gold Medalist' Lee Jung-su Ends 27-Year Journey

Veteran Lee Jung-su, who made a significant mark in Korean men's short track, has officially announced his retirement. Everyone vividly remembers that touching moment when he won two gold medals in the 1500m and 1000m at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, right? Laying down his long 27-year athletic career, he is now starting his second chapter of life not as a short track skater, but as 'dad Lee Jung-su' and a coach nurturing junior athletes ^[3]. Let's all cheer him on with one heart to make a great new start, just like the burning passion he showed on the ice! 🎉

🥤 Warm Sponsorship for the National Team

Lastly, I'll add one heartwarming piece of news. Premium health brand Lingtea delivered precious funds raised through a national short track team sponsorship project to the Korea Skating Union ^[6]. We totally praise this kind of reliable support that helps our athletes train and showcase their skills in a better environment! 👏

The first round of the national trials starts in earnest this weekend! With Hwang Dae-heon's absence, the competition among the next-generation runners is expected to be even fiercer. Let's watch until the end to see which skaters will wear the national flag and sprint on the ice! I'll be back next time with more exciting and fun short track news. Bye! 👋