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New stars are born

Posted August. 18, 2016 07:23,   

Updated August. 18, 2016 07:34

한국어

In the online space, Kim Yeon-koung, captain of the Korean women’s national volleyball team, is now called “my older sister,” as Korean soccer fans are calling soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo “my older brother” with full of love and affection. The 28-year-old volleyball hitter, Kim, scored 30 points and led Korea’s win over Japan at the Rio Olympics. Park Sang-young, 21-year-old fencer, has become our new “my younger brother” after he won the gold medal in the men's individual epee.

In the final round of the men’s individual epee, the game was down 10-14. Park rallied from four scores down to beat his contender. He scored the final five points after he was filmed talking to himself “I can do this,” which made all Koreans moved to tears. Koreans are proud to call him “my younger brother” after watching his miraculous victory at the Rio Olympics. Another athlete joining the ranks of new stars in Brazil is Jung Young-sik, Korea’s male table tennis player, and he is now “my Young-sik.”

After winning the first two games, the 24-year-old table tennis player lost in the round of 16 against World No. 1 Ma Long in the men’s single competition. Jung also lost the game to World No. 4 Zhang Jike in the men’s team semifinal. Though he failed to bring any medals to Korea, he is still a rising star in Korea. Table tennis was first introduced at the Seoul Olympics. Since the launch of table tennis at the Olympics, China has taken 26 gold medals out of 30. In Brazil, world best players were driven into a corner by Jung who showed never ending will and spirit to control the game, while nobody expects his winning. Jung is only 24 years old and he proved that chances are high that he may beat the Chinese rivals at the next Olympics.

“People send a round of applause to winners, but the toil and sweat you put in order to make your dreams come true will make people cry,” one online user commented. ”Jung Young-sik’s fighting spirit and a strong will he showed in Brazil were awesome. I thought if I had ever tried my hardest to achieve something in my life while watching his commitment and passion through the screen.” Jung was also acclaimed for his confidence and fearless mentality in front of China’s world best players in the online world. “Everyone says we cannot beat the Chinese players, but honestly, I think there is no limit,” said Jung. Jung always comes first and leaves last the training camp. We are proud to see athletes never giving up the game and showing true Olympic spirit that will never die.



고미석기자 mskoh119@donga.com