Yuna Kim

Yuna Kim, born September 5, 1990, in Bucheon, is a retired South Korean figure skater widely considered one of the greatest in the sport's history. Known as "Queen Yuna" in her homeland, she captured the world's attention with her technical brilliance and artistic grace. Over her career, she set and broke world records eleven times under the ISU Judging System, and was the first woman to surpass 150 points in the free skate and 200 points overall. Her competitive record is unmatched: she never finished outside the top three in any event she entered, and she became the first Korean skater to win medals at the Olympics, World Championships, Grand Prix, and Junior Grand Prix.

Today, Kim remains a towering figure in South Korea, transitioning from athlete to cultural ambassador. She played a pivotal role in bringing the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics to her country and lit the Olympic cauldron at the opening ceremony. Now retired from competition, she continues to inspire through professional ice shows, ambassadorial work with organizations like Special Olympics, and commercial ventures. Her marriage to singer Ko Woo-rim in 2022 has kept her in the public eye, and her legacy as a pioneer in figure skating remains firmly intact. [edit]

Yuna Kim was born in Bucheon, a city just west of Seoul, on September 5, 1990. Her family moved to Gunpo when she was young, and it was there that she first stepped onto the ice at age five. Her mother, who had harbored dreams of being a figure skater herself, enrolled Yuna in skating lessons, and it quickly became clear that the young girl had a rare gift. By the time she was ten, she was already landing double axels and competing in national junior events.

Kim's early career was marked by a series of firsts for Korean skating. At fifteen, she won the World Junior Championships in 2006, becoming the first Korean to win an ISU Championship. That victory, achieved with a record score, signaled her arrival on the international stage. Her rise was not without obstacles; she trained in Canada under coach Brian Orser, leaving her family behind to pursue her ambitions. Her dedication during those formative years laid the foundation for the dominance that would follow. [edit]

Yuna Kim's senior career began in earnest in 2006, and she quickly established herself as a force. In the 2006-07 season, she won her first Grand Prix Final title, and she repeated that victory the following year. Her 2009 season was particularly strong: she claimed both the Four Continents Championship and her first World Championship title in Los Angeles, setting a world record score in the process.

The pinnacle came at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, where she delivered a near-flawless performance to win the gold medal, breaking her own world record and becoming South Korea's first Olympic figure skating champion. She was named to Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People that year. After a brief hiatus, she returned to win her second World title in 2013, then closed her competitive career with a silver medal at the 2014 Sochi Olympics. Following retirement, Kim remained active, starring in ice shows like All That Skate and playing a key role in securing the 2018 Pyeongchang Games, where she lit the Olympic cauldron. In 2026, she debuted as a ballerina in a Google AI campaign, showing her versatility. [edit]

Yuna Kim's public image is that of a graceful, disciplined athlete who became a national treasure. In South Korea, she is a household name, often appearing in advertisements for major brands. Her style on the ice, which blended technical precision with artistic elegance, set a new standard for the sport. Off the ice, she is known for her poise and professionalism, rarely courting controversy. Her fandom, particularly in Korea, is intensely devoted, with fans organizing events and supporting her throughout her career and beyond. Media portrayals often cast her as a role model and ambassador for her country, a status she has embraced through her work with Special Olympics and other organizations. [edit]

Yuna Kim's support base operates less like a coordinated army and more like a national heartbeat, pulsing with pride across South Korea rather than organizing around a specific moniker. While she commands over a million followers on Instagram, her fans do not rally under a collective title like those seen in pop music; instead, they identify simply as admirers of the nation's greatest athlete. This lack of a formal name does not diminish their intensity. They have turned her into a household icon, celebrating her victories as shared national triumphs and honoring her legacy through institutional recognition rather than grassroots campaigns. Her influence extends far beyond the rink, appearing in cultural discussions and charitable endeavors that keep her relevance alive decades after her retirement. In 2018, lighting the Olympic cauldron cemented her status as a living legend, while recent interactions show her engaging with the public as a mature ambassador for causes ranging from Special Olympics to global AI initiatives. Her story is one of quiet endurance and consistent excellence, resonating with audiences who value her poise as much as her athletic prowess. Despite the absence of organized fan rituals or specific subculture branding, her impact remains undeniable, woven into the fabric of modern Korean culture. According to the iFANN Global Fame Rankings, Yuna Kim is the 14th most famous person in Anime, holding steady from the previous cycle.[edit]

Born in Bucheon, Yuna Kim set eleven world records under the ISU Judging System, becoming the first woman to surpass 150 points in a free skate and 200 points overall. She never finished outside the top three in any event she entered, securing medals at the Olympics, World Championships, Grand Prix, and Junior Grand Prix. Known affectionately as "Queen Yuna" by Korean fans early in her career, this nickname has stuck ever since. Off the ice, she is an accomplished pianist who has played since childhood and is a devoted owner of dogs, particularly her Maltese named Haru. She holds the record for the most points scored in a single season under the old judging system, a feat that stood for years. In 2010, she received the Order of Sport Merit, a significant national honor. A lifelong fan of the Harry Potter series, she cites Hermione Granger as her favorite character. Her legendary status was forged in Vancouver during the 2010 Winter Games, where she won gold with a record-breaking total score of 133.70 points, a moment so profound it made her a national hero overnight. Decades later, her era remains the benchmark for Korean skating, highlighted when Seo Minkyu became the first Korean skater to win the Junior Grand Prix Final since Kim in 2025.[edit]

Yuna Kim's parents divorced when she was young, and she was raised primarily by her mother, Park Mi-hee, who sacrificed much to support her skating career. Her younger sister, Kim Ae-rin, has stayed out of the public eye. In 2022, Kim married Ko Woo-rim, a member of the vocal group Forestella, after dating for about three years. The couple lives in Seoul, and Kim has described her married life as peaceful, saying that "a peaceful daily life is the greatest happiness." They have no children as of 2026. [edit]

Yuna Kim is associated with her husband Ko Woo-rim, a singer in the group Forestella. Her rivalry with Japanese skater Mao Asada defined women's figure skating for years. K-pop artist Sunghoon of ENHYPEN, a former figure skater, has cited her as an idol. [edit]

Yuna Kim's public dating history is relatively private. Before her marriage, she was linked to a few fellow athletes, though none were confirmed. In 2019, reports emerged that she was dating Ko Woo-rim, a member of the vocal group Forestella. The couple kept their relationship low-key, but in 2022 they married in a private ceremony. As of 2026, they remain married, with Kim describing their life together as peaceful and happy. The couple has no children. [edit]

Per iFANN's editorial analysis, Yuna Kim's net worth in 2026 is estimated at $50 Million, a figure built on a career that extended well beyond her competitive years. During her skating career, she earned prize money and appearance fees, but the bulk of her wealth came from endorsements. She has held lucrative deals with major South Korean brands such as Samsung, Hyundai, and Nike, and her face has been ubiquitous in Korean advertising. After retirement, she continued to command high fees for commercial appearances and photo shoots. Kim also earns from her professional ice shows, including All That Skate, which she has both performed in and produced. Her ambassadorial roles, such as with Special Olympics, are largely unpaid but enhance her marketability. In 2026, her involvement in a Google AI campaign added a new revenue stream. Real estate investments in Seoul have also contributed to her wealth. While specific figures are private, her consistent presence on lists of South Korea's highest-paid celebrities underscores her financial standing.[edit]

Yuna Kim won two Olympic medals, two World Championships, three Grand Prix Finals, and the 2006 World Junior title, among many others. Her 2010 Olympic gold was a record-breaking performance. [edit]