Cha Jun-hwan: South Korea’s Rising Figure Skating Star

Cha Jun-hwan © Pinterest

Cha Jun-hwan, born October 21, 2001, in Seoul, South Korea, has emerged as the nation’s leading male figure skater, carrying the torch lit by Yuna Kim. As the first South Korean man to medal at the World Championships (2023 bronze) and a two-time Olympian (2018, 2022), Cha has captivated audiences with his technical prowess and expressive performances. At 23, his journey of resilience and innovation positions him as a cornerstone of South Korea’s figure skating legacy, with eyes on the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics.

Early Beginnings and Breakthrough

Cha began skating at age six, inspired by watching Yuna Kim’s performances. Training under coach Shin Hea-sook in Seoul, he quickly rose through the junior ranks, winning the 2016 South Korean national title at age 14. His international breakthrough came in 2016-17, when he won gold at the Junior Grand Prix Final in Marseille with a score of 240.25, becoming the first Korean male to claim the title. A 2017 Skating World report highlighted his “dynamic quadruple jumps and emotive spins,” noting his potential to follow Kim’s footsteps. Cha’s senior debut at the 2017 Finlandia Trophy earned him a bronze, solidifying his global presence.

Career Achievements

Cha’s career is marked by historic milestones. In 2023, he won bronze at the World Championships in Saitama, Japan, with a score of 296.03, South Korea’s first men’s singles World medal. He is a six-time South Korean national champion (2017–2022) and has secured three Grand Prix medals, including silver at the 2022 Skate America (269.12 points). At the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics, Cha finished 15th as a 16-year-old, and in 2022 Beijing, he placed fifth, scoring 282.38, the highest Olympic finish for a Korean male skater. His mastery of quad jumps, including the quad Salchow and quad toe loop, has set technical benchmarks, per a 2023 ISU Journal analysis.

Overcoming Challenges

Cha’s path included significant hurdles. A 2019 ankle injury forced him to withdraw from the Grand Prix series, and the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted his training in 2020, requiring a temporary move to Canada to work with coach Brian Orser. Despite these setbacks, Cha rebounded, earning silver at the 2021 Four Continents Championships with a personal-best free skate score of 181.22. A 2022 Korea Sports Daily feature quoted him saying, “Every fall teaches me to stand stronger,” reflecting his resilience. X users in 2025 praise his determination, with posts like “Cha’s comeback is unreal!” highlighting his ability to overcome adversity.

Impact on South Korean Skating

Cha has elevated figure skating’s popularity in South Korea, a nation where the sport gained traction after Yuna Kim’s 2010 Olympic gold. As an ambassador for the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics, he inspired young skaters like Hyeon Lee and Sihyeong Lee, who now compete internationally. His performances, blending technical precision with artistry, have drawn comparisons to Kim, with a 2024 Global Skating Review noting his “ability to tell a story through movement.” Cha’s training base in Toronto under Orser, alongside stars like Evgenia Medvedeva, has refined his skills, positioning him as a leader for South Korea’s next generation.

Looking Toward 2026

As the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics approach, Cha remains a medal contender, building on his 2023 World bronze and consistent Grand Prix performances. His programs, often set to emotive music like Turandot or The Phantom of the Opera, showcase his versatility, earning praise on X for their “breathtaking spins and jumps.” With a focus on refining his quad Lutz and improving consistency, per a 2025 Skate Insider report, Cha aims to challenge top skaters like Nathan Chen and Ilia Malinin. His leadership off the ice, including mentoring younger Korean skaters, underscores his commitment to the sport’s growth.

Final Thoughts

Cha Jun-hwan’s rise from a young skater inspired by Yuna Kim to South Korea’s first male World Championship medalist embodies dedication and resilience. His technical innovation, from quadruple jumps to expressive spins, has redefined South Korean figure skating, captivating global audiences. As he prepares for the 2026 Olympics, Cha’s journey inspires fans and aspiring skaters, proving that perseverance and passion can elevate a nation’s presence in the sport. His legacy continues to grow, both on the ice and in the hearts of those who watch him soar.

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By Vitalina Andrushchenko, Staff Writer