President Lee Jae-myung on Saturday congratulated short-track speed skater Hwang Dae-heon after he won a silver medal in the men’s 1,500 meters at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics.
In a Facebook post titled, “A calm race by a true ice competitor — congratulations on Korea’s short-track silver,” Lee said, “I sincerely congratulate him,” adding that he applauded Hwang for a “hard-earned silver medal.”
Hwang finished second in the men’s 1,500-meter final held Saturday (local time), crossing in 2:12.304 behind Jens van’t Wout of the Netherlands.
Hwang, who won silver in the 500 meters at the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics and gold in the 1,500 meters plus silver in the 5,000-meter relay at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, has now medaled at three consecutive Games.
Lee said Hwang “proved once again he is among the world’s best” by adding silver to his 2022 Olympic gold, and noted he also set a record as the first in South Korean men’s short track to win medals at three straight Olympics.
“Even in a fierce race, he stayed calm to the end and kept his pace,” Lee wrote, calling Hwang a true “ice competitor” and adding, “It’s incredible, and I’m proud.”
Lee also voiced support for Hwang’s pledge to become “an athlete remembered for a long time, not a star who shines briefly,” saying he hoped Hwang’s hard work and passion would lead to more strong results.
Lee again congratulated Hwang on the silver and offered encouragement to fellow South Korean competitors Shin Dong-min and Lim Jong-eon.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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