South Korea Men's Short Track Relay Reaches Final, Eyes Gold After 20-Year Wait

South Korea's men's short track team has qualified for the final at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.

The Korean team—comprising Lim Jong-eon (Goyang City Hall), Shin Dong-min (Hwaseong City Hall), Lee Jun-seo, and Lee Jung-min (both Seongnam City Hall)—competed in the second semifinal heat of the men's 5,000m relay at Milan's Ice Skating Arena on January 16. They finished first in their heat with a time of 6:52.708, securing a spot in the final as the top two teams from each heat advance.

The men's team will compete for the gold medal in the final at 5:15 a.m. Korean time on January 21, seeking their first Olympic short track men's 5,000m relay gold in 20 years.

South Korea's men's team has not won a team event gold medal since the 2006 Turin Winter Olympics.

Racing against the Netherlands, Belgium, and Japan in the second semifinal heat, the Korean team conserved energy at the back of the pack through the middle portion of the race while waiting for opportunities.

Third skater Lee Jung-min delivered a standout performance. With 25 laps remaining, he overtook Japan and Belgium in succession to move into second place.

Korea maintained second position behind the Netherlands until Lee Jung-min surged again with 11 laps to go. He moved to the outside lane, passed the Netherlands, and took the lead.

Korea briefly fell back to second but Lee Jung-min completed another comeback with seven laps remaining.

Shin Dong-min received the baton and increased the pace, extending the gap over the second-place group. Lee Jun-seo followed, and anchor Lim Jong-eon crossed the finish line first to secure the victory.

Korea will compete for medals in the final against the Netherlands (second in heat 2), Canada (first in heat 1), and Italy (second in heat 1).