From Olympic Stardom to Humble Reflections
Kim Ye-ji, the South Korean markswoman who rose to global fame after winning a silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, has opened up about her journey to stardom. Despite her newfound celebrity status, Kim says that not much has changed in her personal life since her Olympic victory.
At 32 years old, Kim made an indelible mark on the global sports scene with her exceptional performance in the 10-meter air pistol and 25-meter pistol events. Yet, as she shared in a casual conversation with CNN Sport at her training facility in Imsil County, South Korea, she remains unfazed by her rising fame. “Nothing has changed much,” she says, a statement that showcases her grounded and humble nature.
A Humble Start: From Fun to World-Class Shooter
Kim’s journey into shooting sports began back in 2005, during her school days in South Korea. It all started when her gym teacher asked if anyone wanted to try shooting. Without much thought, Kim raised her hand, unaware that this casual decision would lead to her becoming one of the world’s top shooters.
Initially, shooting was just a way to earn some money, but over time, it became a deep passion. “I started shooting to make money for a business team,” she explains. However, it wasn’t until meeting her coach, Kwak Min-su, in 2019 that she truly committed to her craft. “I wanted to work hard and pay him back,” Kim recalls, a sentiment that fueled her drive to reach new heights in her shooting career.
Breaking Records and Qualifying for the Olympics
Kim’s dedication to the sport paid off in 2024 when she became the first South Korean shooter to qualify for two Olympic events. After securing second place in both the 10-meter air pistol and 25-meter pistol at the national trials, she earned a coveted spot at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
In May of 2024, Kim made history by setting a new world record for the women’s 25-meter pistol event at the World Cup in Baku, Azerbaijan. The viral video of her focused and intense performance, paired with social media’s praise for her "main character energy," quickly elevated her status, and fans began referring to her as the athlete with the “most aura.”
Embracing the Pressure: A Silver Medal Performance
At the Olympics, Kim’s composure under pressure was apparent as she competed against the world’s best. Although she finished just 1.9 points behind the gold medalist in the 10-meter air pistol event, Kim considered her Olympic experience “very happy.”
Despite the slight disappointment, she reflected on the outcome with humility. “There were some regrets, but that’s a feeling I have after every match,” Kim says. “It’s not because I didn’t win a gold, but because I didn’t do my job properly.”
The Style Icon and Unexpected Hollywood Debut
In addition to her remarkable skill at the shooting range, Kim’s presence at the Olympics was also marked by her unique sense of style. Often seen sporting a cap, futuristic shooting glasses, and an elephant plushie towel, Kim’s fashion choices quickly caught the public’s eye. “I wear the towel to wipe the gunpowder off my hand,” she explains.
Her style made waves, but Kim describes her everyday fashion as “super plain” and “simple.” Nevertheless, her rise to fame led to collaborations with luxury brands like Louis Vuitton and Givenchy, making her a style icon.
Her newfound fame even reached tech billionaire Elon Musk, who suggested she should star in an action movie. In a surprising turn of events, Kim was cast as an assassin in the spin-off series *Crush*, based on the movie *Asia*. “I’m an athlete, so I never thought about starring in movies, but if it helps bring more attention to shooting, I’d happily participate,” Kim says about her new role.
A Mother's Promise: "Mommy Will Win the Gold"
Despite all the glitz and glamor surrounding her, Kim remains devoted to her athletic career. "Shooting is part of my life," she says, continuing her relentless training for future competitions, including the ISSF World Cup finals and the upcoming LA 2028 Olympics.
One of her greatest motivators is her 6-year-old daughter, who has already set high expectations. After Kim’s silver medal win in Paris, her daughter remarked, “Mommy, you won a silver! But you should win gold next time.” Kim, ever the determined athlete, promised, “Just wait, Mommy will win the gold.”
The Future of South Korean Shooting
As South Korea’s shooting team continues to dominate on the world stage, having earned the most Olympic shooting medals in its history at the Paris 2024 Games, Kim Ye-ji hopes to inspire the next generation of shooters. “I’m thankful that people call me a fashion icon, but I’m an athlete first,” she says, focused on achieving her ultimate goal: a gold medal for her daughter and her country.