North Korea is not known for its sporting prowess, but there are a few standout athletes who have made a name for themselves in the world of figure skating.
From athletes who have earned Olympic medals to those who have earned world titles, North Korean skaters have proven themselves to be among the best in the world. Here is a look at some of the best figure skaters to come out of North Korea.
1. Ryom Tae-ok
Ryom Tae-ok is an accomplished North Korean pair skater. She has achieved many accolades in her career thus far. With her skating partner, Kim Ju-sik, she is the 2018 Four Continents bronze medalist, which is a major international figure skating competition.
This accomplishment was preceded by another piece of hardware in the form of the 2017 Asian Winter Games bronze medal. Ryom and Kim also earned bronze at the 2016 Cup of Tyrol and won the 2016 Asian Open Trophy championship.
These successes clearly demonstrate the level of skill and talent Ryom has as a pair skater. She has set a high bar of excellence for herself and for other North Korean figure skaters.
2. Kim Ju-sik
Kim Ju Sik is a successful North Korean pair skater. He is partnered with Ryom Tae-ok and has achieved many accolades together. In 2018, the pair won the bronze medal at the Four Continents competition, an important figure skating event.
They also won the bronze medal at the 2017 Asian Winter Games and the bronze medal at the 2016 Cup of Tyrol. In addition, the pair won the 2016 Asian Open Trophy. This is a testament to their talent and dedication to the sport.
They have both worked hard to become successful in the competitive world of figure skating and have achieved a great deal of success in doing so.
3. Kim Hwang-hyun
Kim Hwang-hyun is a North Korean speed skater who gained international recognition for his performance at the 1984 Winter Olympics. Born and raised in North Korea, Kim Hwang-hyun was an excellent skater from a young age.
He trained hard, eventually qualifying for the 1984 Winter Olympics in Sarajevo, Yugoslavia. At the Olympics, Kim represented North Korea in three speed skating events. He competed in the 500m, 1,000m, and 1,500m events, showing his versatility as a skater.
Despite not winning any medals, Kim’s performance was greatly admired and he was seen as a symbol of North Korea’s athletic prowess. His success brought pride and honor to his home nation, and Kim has since become a beloved figure in North Korea.
To this day, his legacy is remembered and celebrated in North Korea, and his story is an inspiring one for young athletes all over the world.
4. Han Pil-hwa
Han Pil-hwa was a pioneering figure in North Korean sports history. She was the first female speed skater to ever represent North Korea at the Olympics, having competed in the 1964 and 1972 Winter Olympics.
She was a trailblazer in her home country and an inspiration to many, as she demonstrated a strong will and determination to make history.
Her participation in the Olympics was a major step forward for North Korea and for female athletes in the region, as she was the first to make it to the Olympic level.
Her accomplishments are a testament to her grit and ambition, as well as to the strength and potential of North Korean women. Today, she is remembered as a symbol of strength and progress for North Korea.
5. Song Hwa-son
Song Hwa-son is a professional speed skater from North Korea. She is best known for her incredible accomplishments in the Olympic Games. At the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary, Canada, she competed in the women’s 500-meter speed skating event and finished in fifteenth place.
Four years later, she returned to the Olympic stage at the 1992 Winter Olympics in Albertville, France, where she again competed in the 500 meters speed skating event. This time, she earned a thirteenth-place finish.
Song Hwa-son is an incredible athlete who achieved a great deal of success in her career. She is a testament to the power of perseverance and hard work. Her accomplishments serve as an inspiration to other athletes who may have faced difficulty in their own careers.
Her story is one of dedication and resilience, and she will continue to be remembered for her incredible achievements.
6. Han Chun-ok
Han Chun-ok is a former North Korean female speed skater who has made a name for herself in the world of sports. She has competed in two Winter Olympic Games, the first being in 1984 and the second being in 1988, representing her home country of North Korea.
She is one of the few female athletes from North Korea to have competed in the Winter Olympics, making her a role model for female athletes around the world. Han Chun-ok was born in North Korea and began her journey as a speed skater at an early age.
She was already competing in international competitions by the time she was just 14 years old. She continued to train and hone her skills and eventually qualified to compete in the 1984 Winter Olympics in Sarajevo, Yugoslavia.
She competed in the 500m and 1500m events, making it to the semi-finals in the 1500m.In 1988, Han Chun-ok once again represented North Korea in the Winter Olympics. This time she competed in the 1000m, 1500m, and 3000m events.
She made it to the quarterfinals in the 1500m and the semi-finals in the 3000m.
Her accomplishments in the Winter Olympics have earned her a place in the annals of sports history and made her a hero to North Koreans and athletes from around the world. Han Chun-ok has since retired from speed skating but her legacy lives on.
She has been an inspiration to young female athletes looking to make a name for themselves in the world of sports. Her dedication and hard work have made her an example of what can be achieved with determination and perseverance.
7. Kim Bok-soon
Kim Bok-soon was an impressive North Korean speed skater who competed in international competitions between 1968 and 1979.
Her commitment to the sport and her country was evident in her participation in the World Allround Speed Skating Championships for Women in 1968, where she placed 29th overall. Kim Bok-soon was a dedicated athlete who pushed herself to the best of her abilities in the international competitions she participated in.
She was an important representative of her nation, and her presence in the World Allround Speed Skating Championships for Women in 1968 showed her commitment to the sport and her country.
Her placement of 29th overall was a testament to her hard work and dedication. Kim Bok-soon is an example of an athlete who was determined to make her nation proud.
Her accomplishments in international competitions demonstrate the strength of North Korean athletes, and her dedication to the sport is an inspiration.
Her story is an example of the power of determination and hard work, and her legacy is one of a courageous and determined athlete.
8. Kim Ok-hui
Kim Ok-hui is a North Korean speed skater who has achieved international recognition for her athletic accomplishments. She was born in the North Korean capital of Pyongyang and began her speed skating career at the age of 16.
She first gained international fame when she competed in the women’s 1000 meters at the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan. This was a remarkable achievement for a North Korean athlete, as the country had not yet achieved any major international success in speed skating.
Kim Ok-hui went on to compete in several international speed skating events, including the World Cup, World Championships, and Asian Winter Games. She was the first female North Korean athlete to win a gold medal at the World Cup in 2001.
She also set a new North Korean record for the 1000 meters and 1500 meters in 2003. In her career, she has won several medals in international competitions, including a bronze medal at the Asian Winter Games in 2003.
Kim Ok-hui is a remarkable athlete who has achieved success despite the limited resources available to North Korean athletes.
She has become a source of inspiration for many North Korean athletes, particularly women, who are looking to break through the barriers and achieve success in international competitions.
9. Bak Sung-wun
Bak Sung-wun is a North Korean speed skater who was a competitor at the 1964 Winter Olympics. He competed in the men’s 5000 meters event at the games, representing North Korea in the competition.
Bak Sung-wun was one of the few athletes from North Korea to compete at the Winter Olympics during the Cold War era. As a result, Bak Sung-wun has become a popular figure in North Korean sport and is remembered as a pioneer of North Korean Winter Olympic athletes.
He was a major contributor to the success of North Korean speed skating, and his efforts have helped pave the way for more North Korean athletes to compete in international competitions.
Although Bak Sung-wun did not win any medals at the 1964 Winter Olympics, his presence at the games was an important milestone in North Korean sports history.
10. Kim Ok-soon
Kim Ok-soon is a former North Korean speed skater who was active in the sport from 1968 to 1972. She represented North Korea at numerous international competitions during that time period.
In 1968, she competed in the World Allround Speed Skating Championships for Women, where she finished 25th overall. This was a remarkable achievement, considering the fact that North Korea was not a powerhouse in the sport at the time.
Despite the lack of resources and support, Kim Ok-soon was able to rise up and compete successfully on the world stage. Her success serves as an inspiration to athletes all over the world, demonstrating that even in difficult circumstances, it is possible to excel in sports.
11. Pak Gum-hyon
Pak Gum-hyon is a North Korean speed skater who represented her country in the 1984 Winter Olympics. She is the first North Korean athlete to compete in the Winter Olympics and she made history with her participation.
Pak Gum-hyon competed in three events at the 1984 Winter Olympics including the 500 m, 1000 m, and 1500 m races. Despite not placing, Pak Gum-hyon made a lasting impact on the Olympic Games and the North Korean sports community.
Her dedication to the sport and her country, as well as her accomplishments, have been an inspiration for other North Korean athletes. She set a precedent for future North Korean speed skaters and paved the way for North Korea to compete in the Winter Olympics.
Pak Gum-hyon’s participation in the 1984 Winter Olympics was a significant milestone in the history of North Korean sports.
12. Song Yong-hun
Song Yong-hun is a North Korean speed skater who made history by competing in the 1988 Winter Olympics. He was one of the few North Korean athletes to participate in the games, which were held in Calgary, Canada.
Although North Korea did not win any medals at the 1988 Winter Olympics, Song Yong-hun’s participation was an important moment in North Korean sports history. Song Yong-hun competed in two events at the 1988 Winter Olympics – the 1000 meters and the 1500 meters.
He finished in 24th and 28th place, respectively, in each event.
Although he didn’t win a medal, Song Yong-hun’s performance in the games was remarkable, given that he was competing against some of the world’s top speed skaters. Song Yong-hun’s participation in the 1988 Winter Olympics was a milestone in North Korean sports history.
His performance in the games helped to put North Korea on the international map in terms of sports, and he was recognized as an important ambassador for his country.
His participation also showed the world that North Korean athletes could compete with the best in the world, and his performance was a source of pride for his country.
Today, Song Yong-hun is remembered as a pioneer in North Korean sports, and his legacy lives on as an example of perseverance and dedication.
His success at the 1988 Winter Olympics serves as an inspiration to North Korean athletes, and his story is one of courage and determination.
13. Im Ri-bin
Im Ri-bin is an accomplished speed skater from North Korea. He first made his mark on the Olympic stage at the 1984 Winter Olympics, where he participated in a variety of speed skating events.
He continued his success four years later when he competed at the 1988 Winter Olympics. During this competition, Im Ri-bin was able to finish in the top ten in his events, which is a remarkable feat considering the talent of the other skaters.
This level of success solidified Im Ri-bin’s place in the record books as one of the most successful North Korean speed skaters in history. Im Ri-bin is a true inspiration, showing that anything is possible with hard work and dedication.
He is a reminder of the importance of perseverance and pushing oneself to reach their goals, regardless of the obstacles that stand in the way.
14. Choi In-chol
Choi In-chol is a speed skater from North Korea. He had the honor of representing his country in the 1992 Winter Olympics, held in Albertville, France. He competed in three events, although his results were not as successful as he had hoped.
Nevertheless, it was a great accomplishment for him to be able to participate in the Olympics, and it was a proud moment for North Korea. Choi In-chol was born in North Korea, and he began his speed skating career there.
He trained hard in order to make it to the Olympics, and he was eventually selected to compete for North Korea in the 1992 games.
Although he did not win any medals, it was still a huge achievement for him to be able to take part in the Olympics. For Choi In-chol, the 1992 Winter Olympics was a formative experience.
It gave him confidence in his own abilities, and it inspired him to keep training and pursuing his dream of becoming a great speed skater.
He was able to look up to the other athletes at the Olympics, and it gave him the motivation to train even harder. Choi In-chol’s participation in the 1992 Winter Olympics is an inspiring reminder of the dedication and hard work it takes to reach one’s goals.
It is a testament to the fact that with enough dedication and determination, anything is possible.
15. Kim Myung-ja
Kim Myung-ja is an accomplished North Korean speed skater. She had the honor of representing her country at the 1972 Winter Olympics in the women’s 1500 meters event.
Myung-ja was one of the first North Korean athletes to compete at the Winter Olympics, and her performance there was a source of national pride.
While she ultimately did not win a medal, her participation in the Games was an important milestone for North Korean athletes. Myung-ja was born in 1950 in the North Korean city of Hamhung.
She first began competing in speed skating competitions when she was just twelve years old. By the time she was in her late teens, she had become one of the best speed skaters in North Korea.
In 1972, she was selected to be part of the North Korean delegation to the Winter Olympics in Sapporo, Japan. At the Games, Myung-ja competed in the women’s 1500 meters event. She finished in a respectable seventh place overall, just one second behind the bronze medalist.
Though she did not win a medal, Myung-ja’s performance was an impressive feat, and she was celebrated by the North Korean people for her efforts.
Her performance at the Games was an important milestone for North Korean athletes, and it helped to pave the way for future generations of North Korean Olympic athletes.
16. Jong Yong-hyok
Jong Yong-hyok is a North Korean pair skater who competed in the 2006 Winter Olympics with his partner, Phyo Yong-myong. They had only been skating together since the fall of 2005, and they withdrew after the short program.
Before he teamed up with Phyo, Jong had qualified for the Olympics with his previous partner, Sung Mi-Hyang. The two skaters had been performing together for some time before Jong decided to switch partners.
Jong and Phyo were not able to make it to the end of the competition, but Jong’s history of competing at the Olympics shows his commitment to the sport of figure skating.
17. Ri Sung-ryool
Ri Sung-ryool is a North Korean speed skater who competed in two events at the 1964 Winter Olympics. He was the first North Korean to ever be part of the Olympic Games, making his appearance at the 1964 Winter Olympics.
He participated in the 500-meter and the 1,500-meter races, but unfortunately he did not make it to the podium for either of his events.
Despite this, Ri Sung-ryool is remembered as a pioneer in North Korean sports, as he was the first to represent the nation at the Olympic Games. His participation in the 1964 Winter Olympics set the stage for many more athletes from North Korea to compete in the Olympic Games.
18. Li Yong-chol
Li Yong-chol is a North Korean speed skater who made his Olympic debut at the 1992 Winter Olympics. He was among the first North Korean athletes to ever compete at the Winter Games.
During the 1992 Winter Olympics, Li Yong-chol competed in two speed skating events, the 500 metres and 1000 metres. Although he didn’t win any medals, he demonstrated the strength and potential of North Korean speed skaters.
Li Yong-chol’s participation in the 1992 Olympics was a historic moment for the North Korean Olympic team. It marked the first time the country had ever been represented at the Winter Games.
Furthermore, it also opened the door for future North Korean athletes to compete in the Olympics.
In the years since Li Yong-chol’s Olympic debut, North Korea has sent competitors to the Olympics in a variety of events, including figure skating, short track speed skating, and cross-country skiing.
Li Yong-chol’s participation in the 1992 Winter Olympics was a major milestone for North Korean athletes. He served as an inspiration to future generations of athletes, showing them that they too could compete on the world stage.
His legacy lives on today, and he remains an important figure in North Korean sports history.
19. Ho Kang
Ho Kang is an accomplished North Korean figure skater who made his Olympic debut at the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary, Canada. He competed in the men’s singles event, performing a routine that showcased his technical prowess and elegant style.
Though he didn’t win any medals at the Olympics, he remains an inspiration to North Korean figure skating fans. Ho Kang began figure skating as a young child and quickly became a standout in the North Korean figure skating scene.
He was selected to represent North Korea at the Olympics, and his performance there was a source of pride for his people. His routine featured a series of jumps and spins, as well as intricate footwork and impeccable choreography.
He was praised for his skillful movements and the graceful way he glided across the ice. Despite not having the same resources and training opportunities as athletes from other countries, Ho Kang’s talent was undeniable.
He was a true ambassador for North Korean figure skating and proved that even with limited resources, dreams can still come true. He continues to be an inspiration to North Koreans and to figure skaters everywhere.
20. Li Gyong-ok
Li Gyong-ok is a North Korean figure skater who made history when she competed in the ladies singles event at the 1992 Winter Olympics. Born in Pyongyang, she began her figure skating career at a very young age.
She was the first North Korean figure skater to ever compete in the Olympics and was supported by her country both financially and emotionally.
Her performance at the Olympics was impressive, as she finished in 16th place overall, despite competing against some of the world’s top figure skaters. Her efforts did not go unrecognized, as she was honored with a medal of honor from the Korean Sports Council.
Li Gyong-ok’s success has inspired many young North Korean figure skaters to follow in her footsteps. Her story has become a symbol of hope and determination for all North Korean athletes, and she continues to be an example of what can be achieved with hard work and dedication.
Her legacy lives on, and she is a reminder of what can be accomplished when faced with incredible odds.
21. Li Su-min
Li Su-min is a North Korean figure skater who is best known for having competed in the men’s singles event at the 1992 Winter Olympics. He was the first North Korean figure skater to compete in the Olympic Games.
Li Su-min was born in Pyongyang, North Korea and began skating at the age of six. He was a member of the North Korean national figure skating team from 1987 to 1993. At the 1992 Winter Olympics in Albertville, France, Li Su-min competed in the men’s singles event.
He placed 24th overall with a score of 40.10. It was a remarkable achievement for the North Korean figure skater, considering the fact that the country had been closed off to the world for so many years.
After the Olympics, Li Su-min competed in various international competitions, including the 1993 Asian Winter Games and the 1994 World Championships.
Throughout his figure skating career, Li Su-min has been an inspiration to many other North Korean figure skaters, proving that they too can achieve great things on the international stage. He continues to be an influential figure in North Korean figure skating today.
22. Kim Yong-suk
Kim Yong-suk is a renowned North Korean figure skater who has had a successful career in the competitive sport. At the 2003 Winter Asian Games, Yong-suk placed fourth overall; an impressive feat for any athlete.
She was then selected to represent North Korea at the 2006 Winter Olympics, where she finished 27th. This result showcases the strength of Yong-suk as a skater, as she was able to compete with some of the world’s best and come away with a respectable ranking.
Yong-suk’s success is a testament to her dedication and hard work, and she is an inspiration to figure skaters in North Korea.
23. Kim Song-suk
Kim Song-suk is a North Korean figure skater who made history for her country in 1988. She became the first North Korean figure skater to compete in the Winter Olympics when she competed in the ladies’ singles event at the 1988 Winter Olympics.
Kim Song-suk was born in 1969 and grew up in the city of Pyongyang. She trained under the guidance of renowned coach Mok Chol-song, who also coached the world champion figure skater Boitsov. Kim Song-suk achieved a great deal of success during her career.
She won a bronze medal at the 1986 World Junior Figure Skating Championships and placed fourth at the 1987 Asian Winter Games. She also placed fourth at the 1987 World Junior Figure Skating Championships.
Her performance in the 1988 Winter Olympics was also impressive, as she finished in 16th place. Kim Song-suk was an inspiration to many young North Koreans who saw her compete and dreamt of competing in the Olympics themselves.
She showed what was possible with hard work and dedication. Kim Song-suk is a true pioneer in North Korean figure skating and a role model for all young athletes.
24. Ko Hyon-suk
Ko Hyon-suk is an accomplished speed skater who has competed in several prestigious international competitions. She represented North Korea in the 2010 Winter Olympics, as well as the 2007 and 2011 Asian Winter Games.
Her dedication and hard work have enabled her to compete at the highest level of international speed skating. In the 2010 Winter Olympics, Hyon-suk competed in the women’s 500m and 1000m speed skating events.
Unfortunately, she did not medal in either event, but she still achieved a high level of excellence in her performance. In the 2007 and 2011 Asian Winter Games, she participated in multiple events, including the 500m, 1000m, and 1500m races.
Again, she did not medal in any of these events, however, her strong performances still put her among the top speed skaters in the world. Ko Hyon-suk’s commitment and drive to excel have allowed her to compete on the world stage.
Her determination has helped her achieve success in international speed skating competitions, and her hard work and dedication will surely continue to propel her to even greater heights.
25. Phyo Yong-myong
Phyo Yong-myong is a North Korean figure skater who has a history of competing in various disciplines. In her early career, she competed as a single skater, pairs skater, and ice dancer. Currently, she is competing as an ice dancer alongside her partner Choe Min.
She has worked hard to become a successful figure skater and continues to make her mark in the world of figure skating. Her dedication to developing her art is evident in her impressive list of achievements.
As a single skater, she achieved numerous notable successes including multiple podium finishes. As a pairs skater, she and her partner won numerous awards and accolades. As an ice dancer, she has won multiple international competitions.
Phyo Yong-Myong is a true testament to the power of determination and hard work. She is an inspiration to many, and her dedication to her craft is evident in her impressive accomplishments.
26. Jong Kwang-bom
Jong Kwang-bom is a North Korean short track speed skater who competed in the 2018 Winter Olympics. During the 500m heats, Jong suffered a slip at the start of the race, tripping over Japanese speed skater Keita Watanabe.
After the race was restarted, Jong once again collided with Watanabe, sending him tumbling onto the ice. This incident was a huge setback for Jong, who was unable to complete the race and had to leave the competition prematurely.
It was a tragic moment for Jong, who had worked so hard to make it to the Olympics. Despite this, Jong is determined to bounce back and achieve his goals in the future.
27. Han Jong-in
Han Jong-in is a North Korean figure skater who competed at the 2006 Winter Olympics. He was chosen to represent the unified Korea and had the special honor of carrying the Unification Flag alongside South Korean speed skater, Lee Bo-ra.
During the event, Han Jong-in placed last in the short program, which meant he was unable to progress to the free skating section of the competition.
This was a significant moment for the unified Korea, as it was the first time in history that North and South Korea had competed together at the Olympics. Despite the disappointing result, Han Jong-in’s participation was seen as a symbol of unity between the two countries.
28. Ri Song-chol
Ri Song-chol is an impressive figure in the world of competitive figure skating. He is a former competitive figure skater and politician from North Korea.
Ri Song-chol achieved many great accomplishments in the sport, including becoming the 2008 Asian Figure Skating Trophy champion and a five-time North Korean national champion. His accomplishments show his dedication to the sport and his ability to compete at the highest level.
Ri Song-chol’s accomplishments in figure skating have earned him widespread recognition. He has been featured in media outlets from around the world, highlighting his impressive career in the sport.
His five national championship titles demonstrate his tremendous skill on the ice, and his win at the Asian Figure Skating Trophy demonstrates his ability to compete with the best skaters from across Asia.
Ri Song-chol’s success in figure skating has also earned him a place in politics. He is a politician in North Korea and has been involved in the country’s government since 2018.
His experience in figure skating has given him valuable insight into the world of politics, and he has used his knowledge to help shape the country’s political landscape. Ri Song-chol is an impressive figure in the world of competitive figure skating and politics.
His accomplishments in the sport have earned him recognition and respect, and his involvement in politics has allowed him to have an impact on the direction of North Korea.
He is a remarkable example of what can be achieved when one is dedicated to their craft and willing to work hard.
29. Kim Gwang-ho
Kim Gwang-ho is a North Korean figure skater who gained notoriety for his participation in the 1992 Winter Olympics. He competed in the pairs event, alongside partner Kim Hyon-hui. This was the first time a North Korean figure skater had ever participated in the Olympics.
Kim and his partner performed admirably, finishing in 16th place overall. They earned high scores for their artistic impression, which was praised by the judges. However, their overall score was lower due to technical errors.
Despite this, Kim’s participation was seen as an important milestone for North Korean figure skating. Kim’s performance showed that North Korea was capable of competing on the international stage.
It also demonstrated the country’s dedication to figure skating, which provided a platform for athletes to showcase their talent. Kim’s participation in the Olympics also contributed to increased awareness of North Korean athletes.
Kim Gwang-ho’s participation in the 1992 Winter Olympics is still remembered today. He is considered a pioneer of North Korean figure skating and helped pave the way for future generations of athletes in the sport.
His performance was an important milestone for North Korea and will continue to be an inspiration for future athletes.
30. Ko Ok-ran
Ko Ok-ran is a North Korean figure skater who achieved fame in the early 1990s. She was the first North Korean to compete in the Winter Olympics, which she did at the 1992 Winter Olympics in Albertville, France.
She was paired up with her partner Ri Jong-hwa for the pairs event, and their performance earned them a score of 15.51 points, ranking them 18th overall.
Despite not placing in the top half, Ko Ok-ran still made history, as she was the first North Korean to compete in the Winter Olympics. The two had trained together for a year and a half prior to the Olympics.
Their practice regimen was rigorous and they worked together as a team to perfect their routines. They practiced jumps, lifts, spins, and footwork in preparation for the event.
They had to adjust to the different ice surfaces they encountered and the varying styles of judging from different countries. Ko Ok-ran’s performance at the Olympics was a source of national pride for North Korea.
She was the first North Korean to represent her country in the Winter Olympics and her presence was a symbol of hope and progress for her country. Though she didn’t place in the top half, her performance was still a major accomplishment and a milestone in North Korean history.
Conclusion
North Korea has some of the best skating players in the world. They are highly trained and skilled athletes who have achieved great success in international competitions.
North Korea’s skating team has consistently performed well and has produced some of the best skaters in the world. Their commitment to excellence and dedication to the sport have made them one of the most successful skating teams in the world.
