South Korea’s Winter Olympic figure skating legacy, once symbolized almost solely by Olympic champion Yuna Kim, is entering an exciting new chapter. With the Winter Olympic Milano Cortina 2026 drawing closer, the spotlight now turns to two of the nation’s brightest young stars—Kim Chae-yeon and Shin Ji-a—who recently unveiled their new programs for the upcoming season.
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Their performances were reveal during a highly anticipated showcase at the KB Financial National Winter Olympic Figure Skating Championships in Seoul. For fans and analysts alike, it was a glimpse into the refined artistry, athletic ambition, and Olympic preparation underway. These two rising talents are not only carrying the hopes of a nation but also defining what the next generation of Winter Olympic figure skating will look like.
Kim Chae-yeon’s Evolution
At just 17 years old, Kim Chae-yeon has already begun to build an impressive resume, with a blend of precision and poise beyond her years. After her breakout performances on the Junior Grand Prix circuit, Kim made her senior debut last season and is now firmly in contention for an Olympic berth.
Her new free skate program is a deeply emotive piece set to the score of Schindler’s List, choreographed by former Olympic medalist Stéphane Lambiel. The routine features soaring jumps, elegant transitions, and a narrative arc that highlights Kim’s growing maturity as a performer. You Can Read End of an Era: Kaori Sakamoto’s Farewell to Winter Olympic Figure Skating
I wanted something that could show more than technique, Kim said. I’ve worked hard to improve my storytelling on the ice. I want the audience to feel something, not just see the jumps. In terms of technical content, Kim is pushing the envelope with a triple Lutz-triple toe loop combination and clean triple loop entries—elements that will be critical in meeting the Olympic scoring standards. Her spins have also improved in speed and centering, helping boost her component scores in recent competitions.
Shin Ji-a’s Artistic Breakthrough
Meanwhile, 16-year-old Shin Ji-a, already considered a prodigy within international circles, has taken a different route with her Olympic preparations. Shin’s programs for the 2025–26 season are both ambitious and emotionally driven. Known for her balletic movement and musicality, Shin’s new short program is set to Requiem for a Dream, signaling her intent to fuse technical aggression with visceral emotion.

For her free skate, Shin has turned to the dramatic tones of The Umbrellas of Cherbourg, a French classic that allows her to showcase her exquisite edge quality and musical interpretation. I’ve always loved programs that let me tell a story, Shin said. This season, I want to take the audience somewhere they’ve never been before.
Shin’s biggest challenge has been consistency on her triple jumps. Her coaching team, led by Shin Hae-sook, has worked to stabilize her takeoffs and improve jump height without compromising flow. Her recent performances suggest she’s getting closer to finding that balance—critical if she hopes to contend at the Olympic level.
Building Momentum Toward Winter Olympic Milano Cortina 2026
The timing of these new program unveilings is strategic. Both Kim and Shin are slated to compete at key ISU Challenger Series events and Grand Prix assignments this fall. These competitions will not only serve as proving grounds but also determine their readiness to face off against elite global skaters.
South Korea is expected to send at least two female singles skaters to Winter Olympic Milano Cortina 2026, and the national team selection will hinge heavily on international results, especially at the 2026 Four Continents Championships and World Championships earlier in the year.
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The pressure is real, but I’m learning how to use it, Kim said. I train every day with the Olympics in mind. Shin echoed that sentiment: It’s a dream, yes. But it’s also something I’ve worked for since I was little. Now that it’s getting closer, I’m doing everything I can to be ready.

Inspired by a Legend, Driven to Define Themselves in Winter Olympic Figure Skating
Building on that legacy, both Kim Chae-yeon and Shin Ji-a have worked tirelessly to develop distinct styles that reflect their personalities and evolving artistry. Kim Chae-yeon is known for her lyrical expressiveness and seamless transitions, often choosing music that emphasizes elegance and emotional depth. Shin Ji-a, on the other hand, brings sharp precision and powerful jumps, captivating judges and audiences with her technical confidence and commanding presence. Their programs may echo Yuna Kim’s grace, but the emotion and interpretation come from their own lived experiences and vision.
Their coaches and choreographers have also played a crucial role in guiding that development, encouraging them to embrace who they are rather than emulate anyone else. This has allowed both skaters to take creative risks—experimenting with costume design, music selection, and choreography that break from traditional molds. With the world stage fast approaching at the Winter Olympic Milano Cortina 2026, they are poised to not only follow in the footsteps of a legend but also leave a lasting mark of their own on Winter Olympic figure skating.
Winter Olympic Figure Skating in South Korea: A Growing Powerhouse
The emergence of Kim and Shin marks a broader evolution within South Korean Winter Olympic figure skating. The Korean Skating Union has increased its investment in coaching infrastructure, international competition exposure, and youth development. This momentum is starting to yield results—not only in women’s singles, but also in pairs and ice dance.
With the Winter Olympic 2026 on the horizon, there’s a tangible sense that Korean Winter Olympic figure skating is entering a golden era. The programs unveiled by Kim and Shin are just one part of a broader movement—an entire system working toward Olympic success. This is the best depth we’ve ever had, one Korean national team official said. Our goal is to be on the podium, not just in the top 10.

Skating Toward Legacy in Winter Olympic Figure Skating
Both skaters understand that their journey is about more than just podium finishes—it’s about inspiring the next wave of Korean talent and proving that their country remains a powerhouse in Winter Olympic figure skating. By pushing boundaries artistically and technically, Kim and Shin are setting new standards and redefining what it means to be a figure skater from Korea. Their courage to innovate, paired with their deep respect for the sport’s traditions, positions them as true torchbearers of Yuna Kim’s legacy—each carving her own distinct path toward greatness.
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