All eyes were on Mokdong Ice Rink in Seoul on April 11, 2026, as Choi Min-jeong, the undisputed queen of Korean short track speed skating, delivered a masterclass performance at the second national team selection competition. With her signature grit and tactical brilliance, Choi clinched first place in both the women’s 1500m and 500m events—securing her overall victory in the selection series, no matter the outcome of the still-pending 1000m race. This triumph not only affirmed her status as Korea’s leading short track star but also guaranteed that she will don the Taegeuk mark for one final international campaign in the 2026-27 season, which she has confirmed will be her swan song as a national team athlete.
Choi’s journey to this moment has been nothing short of legendary. After the first selection meet on April 7, she had already established herself as the clear favorite, topping the 500m and 1000m races and placing third in the 1500m. Her cumulative ranking points soared to 149—leaving her closest rivals, Shim Suk-hee (76 points) and Kim Min-ji (55 points), far in the rearview mirror. The points system, which aggregates results from both the first and second selection competitions, made it mathematically impossible for anyone to catch her, even with the 1000m race still on the schedule.
In the 1500m final, Choi’s strategy was on full display. She surged to the front with 11 laps remaining, pushing the pace and forcing her competitors to expend precious energy. For a moment, it looked like Kim Min-ji might snatch the lead, but with just one lap to go, Choi executed a flawless inside pass, crossing the finish line in 2:39.296. Kim Min-ji followed at 2:39.386, while Shim Suk-hee claimed third with 2:39.449. The crowd erupted as Choi, starting from lane one, maintained her dominance from the outset and never relinquished control. According to Yonhap News, "Choi Min-jeong’s skill and composure under pressure have set her apart throughout her career, and today was no exception."
The 500m race was another showcase of Choi’s raw speed and nerves of steel. She blazed through the finish in 43.632 seconds, leaving Shim Suk-hee (44.011) and Kim Geon-hee (44.111) scrambling to keep up. From the gun, Choi seized the lead and never looked back, powering through each turn with the confidence of a true champion. Her ability to maintain top speed while fending off challenges is what has made her a household name in Korean sports.
After her victories, Choi reflected on the significance of this season. Following her first selection meet on April 9, she had announced, "I will retire from the national team after the 2026-27 season." The decision marks the end of an era for Korean short track, as Choi has been the face of the sport for over a decade, inspiring countless young athletes and amassing a trove of medals at the Olympics, World Championships, and Asian Games. Her final season promises to be an emotional farewell tour, with fans eager to see her compete one last time on the international stage.
But Choi wasn’t the only star shining bright at Mokdong. The men’s events saw fierce competition and remarkable performances from athletes who had represented Korea at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. Shin Dong-min took the men’s 1500m title with a time of 2:39.359, just edging out Bae Seo-chan (2:39.630) and world number one Park Ji-won (2:39.667). In the 500m, Lee Jung-min clocked a blistering 40.980 seconds to claim first, with Bae Seo-chan (41.133) and Lee Gyu-ho (41.395) rounding out the podium.
This year’s selection process is particularly competitive, as the 2026-27 national team will comprise just 16 skaters—eight men and eight women. Selection is based on combined results from both the first and second trials, with top performers earning coveted spots on the squad. Notably, Lim Jong-eon and Kim Gil-li, both double gold medalists at the 2026 ISU Short Track World Championships, have secured automatic berths for next season. The remaining places are filled by those who ranked first through seventh in the combined standings, and the top two in each gender category gain priority for international individual events.
The stakes are high, as the national team not only represents Korea in global competitions but also sets the standard for excellence in the sport. The pressure to perform is immense, and the selection trials are a grueling test of consistency, speed, and mental fortitude. Choi Min-jeong’s ability to dominate across multiple distances—500m, 1000m, and 1500m—underscores her versatility and enduring athleticism, even as she prepares to step away from the limelight.
Choi’s career has been defined by moments of brilliance and resilience. From her Olympic gold medals to her world championship titles, she has faced down adversity and emerged stronger each time. Her announcement that this will be her final season as a national team member has only heightened the sense of anticipation and nostalgia surrounding her races. Fans, fellow athletes, and coaches alike have expressed admiration for her contributions to Korean short track and her role in elevating the sport’s profile both at home and abroad.
As the 2026-27 season approaches, all eyes will be on Choi Min-jeong as she embarks on her farewell tour, determined to leave nothing on the ice. Her presence on the team is not just a testament to her skill but also a symbol of dedication, perseverance, and national pride. For the up-and-coming skaters who will soon carry the torch, Choi’s legacy sets a high bar and a powerful example.
The atmosphere at Mokdong Ice Rink was electric, with every lap and every finish drawing cheers from fans who know they are witnessing the final chapters of a storied career. Whether she’s leading from the front or executing a last-lap surge, Choi Min-jeong continues to captivate and inspire. There’s no doubt her final season in the Taegeuk uniform will be one to remember.
With the women’s 1000m event still to come, the national team roster will soon be finalized, but Choi’s place at the top is already secure. As she prepares for her last international campaign, the skating world waits eagerly to see what magic she’ll conjure up next. For now, one thing is certain: Choi Min-jeong’s reign as Korea’s short track queen isn’t over just yet.