Lotte Chairman Shin Sends Congratulatory Gift to Korea's First Gold Medalist

Choi Ga-on, who won South Korea's first gold medal at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, received a gift from Lotte Group Chairman Shin Dong-bin.

On February 17, Choi posted photos on her social media showing a floral wreath and gifts from Chairman Shin. The wreath read, "Congratulations, Lotte Group Chairman Shin Dong-bin." The gifts are believed to include cakes from Délica Hans, a bakery at Lotte Hotel Seoul, a Lotte Group affiliate.

Chairman Shin was a ski athlete during his school years and served as president of the Korea Ski & Snowboard Association from 2014 to 2018. Lotte has invested more than 30 billion won in the sport, including establishing the Lotte Ski & Snowboard Team in 2022.

When Choi suffered a serious back injury during an FIS World Cup event in January 2024, Chairman Shin covered her entire medical expenses of approximately 70 million won. Choi returned to competition in January 2025 after recovering from the injury. At this year's Winter Olympics, she staged a dramatic come-from-behind victory over Korean American athlete Chloe Kim of the United States, who had been seeking a third consecutive gold medal.

Chairman Shin sent a letter to Choi at the time, writing, "When I saw Ga-on fall hard during her first run, I only hoped she would finish the competition without injury, given her serious injury in 2024. I was deeply moved to see her refuse to give up and soar again."

He added, "I am proud of Ga-on for overcoming a long rehabilitation period, proving her own worth, and writing a new chapter in Korean snow sports history."

During her arrival interview on February 16, Choi expressed gratitude to Chairman Shin, saying, "I believe I am standing here today because of the support and sponsorship during my most difficult times. I am always grateful."