The Korean national team, which claimed 13th place in the overall standings with three gold, four silver, and three bronze medals at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, has returned home.
The Korean delegation, led by Korean Sport & Olympic Committee President Yoo Seung-min and Chef de Mission Lee Soo-kyung (President of the Korea Skating Union), arrived at Incheon International Airport on the afternoon of the 24th.
Short track speed skaters Choi Min-jung (Seongnam City Hall) and Hwang Dae-heon (Gangwon Provincial Office), who served as flag bearers at the closing ceremony, led the delegation while carrying the Korean flag side by side. Double gold medalist Kim Gil-li (Seongnam City Hall) and athletes from other sports smiled brightly and waved amid applause from numerous reporters and fans.
Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Choi Hwi-young presented bouquets to President Yoo and Chef de Mission Lee, then delivered a welcome address, saying, "The perseverance and spirit of challenge our athletes demonstrated has become a source of pride for the Korean people."
Chef de Mission Lee said, "I would like to thank the Korean people for their passionate support around the clock throughout the competition."
Won Yun-jong, newly elected member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Athletes' Commission, who returned with the Korean delegation, said, "The election period was long, but I think the good result came thanks to your support and encouragement. I will work hard for Korean sports."
Double gold medalist Kim Gil-li, who won gold in the women's 1500m following her relay gold medal, shared her thoughts on returning home: "I feel like I'm experiencing what it's like to be a celebrity (thanks to the welcome from the large crowd). I'm grateful. Today, I want to eat hot pot."
She added, "I will prepare hard for the remaining World Championships and finish strong. I plan to start training on Sunday."
Choi Min-jung, who set a new Korean record for most Olympic medals by a Korean athlete across both Summer and Winter Games (7 medals), said, "Until I departed for Milan, I wondered if I could break this record, but thanks to everyone's support, I was able to set this great record. I've won seven medals in three Olympic appearances. I'm fully satisfied with this achievement, so from now on, I'll be cheering hard for Gil-li."
Meanwhile, Kim Gil-li, nicknamed "Lamborghil-li" and named the Korean delegation's Most Valuable Player (MVP) for this Olympics, drew attention as she was driven home in a courtesy vehicle provided by Lamborghini Korea.
