Choi Min-jeong

Choi Min-jeong is a South Korean short track speed skater and the most decorated Olympian in her nation's history. Born in Seoul on September 9, 1998, she has amassed seven Olympic medals across three Games, including four golds and three silvers. Her dominance in the 1500m event has earned her the nickname 'Ice Princess' from Korean media, and she currently holds the world record for that distance.

At just 27 years old, Choi stands as a legend in winter sports. She achieved global stardom during the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics and continued to dominate through the Beijing 2022 Games and the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. Her career is defined by sustained excellence, tactical mastery, and a graceful transition of leadership to the next generation of skaters. [edit]

Choi Min-jeong grew up in Seoul where she discovered ice skating at the age of six. What started as a recreational hobby quickly evolved into a serious pursuit after she joined a local club. Her natural talent became evident early on, leading her to train intensively while balancing her schooling. She attended Yonsei University, one of South Korea's most prestigious institutions, demonstrating her ability to manage elite athletic training alongside higher education.

Before her international breakthrough, Choi honed her skills with the Seongnam City Hall team. This period was crucial for developing the endurance and technical precision required for top-tier competition. By 2014, she had made her international debut, but it was her performance at the 2015 World Championships that truly signaled her arrival as a force to be reckoned with. These early years laid the foundation for a career that would soon redefine South Korean short track. [edit]

Choi's rise to global prominence accelerated rapidly after her first World Championship title in 2015. She followed this with another win in 2016, establishing herself as a consistent contender. The 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics marked her true breakthrough on home soil. At just 19 years old, she won gold in the 1500m and the 3000m relay, while adding silver medals to her collection in the 1000m and another relay event. This performance made her the face of Korean short track overnight.

Her success continued at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, where she secured another gold in the 1500m despite facing domestic controversy surrounding team dynamics. This victory brought her total Olympic medal count to seven. In the 2024-25 season, she claimed the 1500m World Championship title again, cementing her status as the reigning world champion. Her final Olympic appearance came at the 2026 Milano-Cortina Games, where she took silver in the 1500m behind teammate Kim Gilli, symbolizing a passing of the torch. Following these games, she announced her retirement after the 2026-27 season, ending her career as South Korea's most decorated Olympian. [edit]

The media portrays Choi Min-jeong as a disciplined, humble, and patriotic hero. Known as the 'Ice Princess,' she carries herself with a grace that contrasts with the high-speed violence of her sport. Her social media presence is professional, focusing on training logs and competition highlights rather than personal drama. As she approaches retirement, her tone has become more reflective, emphasizing gratitude toward teammates and fans. She is respected for her sportsmanship, particularly in how she handled the transition to her successor. [edit]

Choi Min-jeong has been evaluated by iFANN's Global Fame Engine but currently holds no placement in the published rankings (Global Top 1,000 or any Top-100 scope list). Her fame, however, is undeniable in the world of short track speed skating, where she is celebrated as a national hero and the 'Ice Princess' of Korean media.

Her fanbase, while lacking a formal name, is vast and deeply passionate. Unlike K-pop fandoms with registered names and organized projects, Choi's supporters are simply 'Choi Min-jeong fans' or Korean short track enthusiasts who rally behind the national team. They span generations, and her races draw intense national attention, as seen in the dramatic 2026 Milano-Cortina 1500m final where she was 'dethroned' by younger teammate Kim Gilli, a moment that underscored the passing of the torch.

Choi engages with her fans primarily through her active Instagram (@chmj10021), where she shares training updates and personal milestones. She has also given numerous reflective interviews, and her April 2026 retirement announcement for after the 2026-27 season was met with widespread media coverage and fan tributes. While no formal fan campaigns or rituals are documented, her influence in Korean sports culture is profound, with media consistently hailing her as a 'legend' and 'heroine.' [edit]

Choi Min-jeong took up skating as a hobby at age six before turning professional. She is an alumnus of Yonsei University, one of South Korea's most prestigious universities. Despite her fame, she is known for being relatively low-key off the ice, avoiding the spotlight outside of competitions. She holds the distinction of being the first female short track skater from South Korea to win four Olympic gold medals. Her 8th place finish in the 1000m at the 2026 Olympics became a viral moment of vulnerability when she openly discussed her tactical regrets. [edit]

Choi Min-jeong maintains a very private family life, keeping details about her parents and siblings out of the public eye. She lives in South Korea, likely in the Seoul or Seongnam area, which are hubs for national athletes. There is no public information regarding pets or extended family stories shared by Choi. Her focus remains strictly on her athletic career, leaving little room for personal disclosures about her household. [edit]

Kim Gilli, Son Jong-won, Korea Skating Union, Nike, Seongnam City Hall[edit]

Choi Min-jeong maintains a strictly private personal life, focusing entirely on her athletic career. As of 2026, she remains single with no publicly confirmed romantic relationships, engagements, or marriages. Unlike many celebrities, she does not disclose dating history, and media reports have consistently noted her dedication to skating over romance. Her social media presence on Instagram focuses exclusively on training updates, competition highlights, and fan interactions, with no mention of a partner. [edit]

iFANN currently estimates Choi Min-jeong's net worth at approximately $2 million. This figure reflects her earnings from state stipends, prize money, and endorsement deals accumulated over her illustrious career. As a national team athlete, she receives a substantial monthly stipend from the Korea Skating Union and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Her income also comes from major contracts with brands like Nike and other Korean conglomerates.

Prize money from World Cup events and championships adds significantly to her wealth. While specific real estate holdings remain private, it is common for top-tier athletes to own property in Seoul or Seongnam. With her retirement announced for after the 2026-27 season, she may transition into coaching or ambassadorial roles, ensuring continued income streams. The iFANN Editorial Team's analysis of her earnings, ventures and assets points to roughly $2 million as of 2026. [edit]

Choi Min-jeong has won seven Olympic medals, including four golds and three silvers, making her the most decorated Olympian in South Korean history. She has also secured four World Championship titles and the Four Continents Championship. Her accolades include holding the world record in the 1500m and being recognized as the 'most decorated S. Korean Olympian' in February 2026. [edit]