'Poet on Ice' Kim Hyun-kyum Aims to Prove His Worth at Dream Olympic Stage

"I want to prove my worth once again by delivering a performance that doesn't waver even in major competitions."

Kim Hyun-kyum (Korea University), set to compete in the figure skating men's single event at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, recently told The Seoul Economic Daily, "I will show you a matured Kim Hyun-kyum through a 'beautiful performance,' as much as I have prepared hard," expressing his determination. Despite limited success on the international stage, he is firmly resolved to demonstrate his true ability on the Olympic stage he is stepping onto for the first time in his life.

Regarding his Winter Olympics appearance, Kim said with an awkward expression, "It still doesn't feel real." He added, "I'm curious about what the Olympic venue will look like and what the atmosphere will be like. Since this is my first time competing here, I don't have a clear sense of it yet," unable to hide his excitement. Despite the tension, what he wants to showcase at the Olympics is clear: the true colors of Kim Hyun-kyum as a figure skater. This stems from the disappointment at the Asian Games, a major competition he participated in after moving up to the senior level. "My biggest goal is to not get eliminated after the short program and to compete all the way through to the free skating," he emphasized.

Kim's eagerness to compete in this Winter Olympics is particularly special. His path to the Olympic stage was nothing short of dramatic. Just five months ago, only one athlete could represent Korea in the men's single event at the Olympics. However, Kim secured an additional Olympic berth for his country by finishing second at the Olympic Qualifying Series in September 2025.

While it was a satisfying achievement, it could have been bittersweet from the athlete's personal perspective. Despite earning the quota, he still had to go through a domestic selection process to actually compete at the Olympics. But Kim did not let go of the opportunity he had earned with his own hands. He eventually finished second behind Cha Jun-hwan (Seoul Metropolitan Government) at the second Olympic trials, securing his Olympic spot through his performance.

Kim, who made a name for himself by winning gold in the men's single event at the 2024 Gangwon Winter Youth Olympics, unfortunately had to end the 2025 Harbin Winter Asian Games early due to gastroenteritis and ankle pain that prevented him from completing the free skating. It was a situation where he could have easily fallen apart, but he didn't crumble. He showed signs of recovery starting from the Qualifying Series in September and eventually reached the Olympic stage he had longed for.

Kim, who started writing poetry as a hobby and has published a collection of poems, is on the verge of releasing his second poetry book. Even ahead of the Olympics, he composed a brief verse to steel his resolve.

"Ahead of the Olympics, the phrase came to mind: 'If the wish to soar seems futile, I will gladly become a bird.' I'm nervous and excited, but I'll stay as calm and composed as possible and show you my best effort, just as I always do."

The figure skating men's single short program featuring Kim Hyun-kyum will take place in the early morning hours of February 11 Korea time.