Cha Jun-Hwan’s Olympic Quest: 10 Essential Facts About Korea’s Skating Star

Cha Jun-hwan has emerged as a leading figure in the world of figure skating and is set on a path to Olympic success. As he competes in the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, the 24-year-old South Korean athlete showcased a season-best short program performance, earning him a notable position in the competition. Here are 10 essential facts about this remarkable skater who is elevating South Korea’s presence in figure skating.

1. Season-Best Short Program Ignites Olympic Hopes

Cha Jun-hwan opened his journey at the Milano Cortina Olympics with a personal best score of 92.72 during the short program. This performance placed him sixth overall and highlighted his impressive technical skills, including a quad Salchow and a triple Lutz-triple loop combination. These elements contributed to his score of 50.08 for technical merit and 42.64 for program components.

2. Three Consecutive Olympic Appearances

This marks Cha’s third Olympic experience, a significant milestone in his career. He participated in the 2018 PyeongChang Games, where he finished 15th at just 16 years old. In the Beijing 2022 Olympics, Cha achieved an impressive fifth place, setting the bar for his performance in 2026.

3. Historic Worlds Silver: A Milestone for Korean Men

In 2023, Cha made history by winning silver at the World Championships, becoming the first South Korean man to earn a medal at this event. His success continued as he led South Korea to a silver medal at the World Team Trophy, showcasing the nation’s growing strength in figure skating.

4. Technical Evolution: The Quad Threat

Cha Jun-hwan has made significant strides in his technical capabilities. He was the first to successfully land a clean quad during an international competition. Although injuries limited his jump layout for the Olympics, he remains a fierce competitor, known for achieving high Grades of Execution (GOE).

5. Overcoming Boot and Ankle Challenges

The current season has tested Cha’s resilience due to ongoing issues with boot fitting and ankle pain. Despite these challenges, he remains focused, having briefly rested before delivering a strong short program performance.

6. A Decade of Dominance in National Competitions

Cha has dominated South Korean figure skating, claiming his 10th consecutive national title in January 2026. His performance during the national competition surpassed his rivals, amassing 277.84 points, which reflects his consistent superior skill.

7. Medals Across Major International Events

Before turning 25, Cha has medaled at nearly every major international competition. His accolades include a gold at the 2022 Four Continents, silver at the 2023 World Championships, and a bronze at the 2018 Grand Prix Final, establishing him as one of Korea’s best male figure skaters.

8. Record-Breaking Personal Bests

Cha’s competitive scores illustrate his remarkable progress. He became the first Korean man to break the 100-point barrier in the short program, achieving a personal best of 101.33 at the 2023 World Team Trophy. His total score of over 280 points allows him to challenge for top placements regularly.

9. Military Service Exemption: The Harbin Victory

Cha is exempt from mandatory military service, a unique advantage for many South Korean athletes. He earned this exemption by winning a gold medal at the 2025 Asian Winter Games in Harbin, enabling him to focus on his training for the 2026 Olympics.

10. The Free Skate: Chasing the Dream

Starting the free skate in sixth place, Cha aimed to bridge a 10-point gap to the medal positions. With a clean routine set to “Balada para un Loco,” he strives to surpass his previous Olympic finish. Regardless of the final outcome, his presence in the elite group of competitors solidifies his legacy as South Korea’s “Ice Prince.”