History was made on February 20, 2026, at the Livigno Snowpark in Italy, as Lee Seung-hoon carved his name into South Korean sports lore by advancing to the finals of the men’s freestyle skiing halfpipe at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. With a score of 76.00 points in the qualifiers, Lee not only secured his spot among the world’s elite but also became the first Korean athlete to reach the Olympic finals in this event—a breakthrough moment for the nation’s burgeoning freestyle skiing scene.
The men’s halfpipe qualifiers, originally slated for the previous day, faced a delay due to heavy snowfall blanketing Livigno. When the competition finally got underway, the pressure was palpable. Twenty-five competitors from across the globe took to the icy halfpipe, with only the top twelve guaranteed a ticket to the finals. Lee, representing Korea National Sport University, delivered a performance that was both poised and daring in his first run, earning a rock-solid 76.00 points. That score would ultimately secure him 10th place in the standings, comfortably within the cutoff for the finals.
What exactly does it take to advance in this high-octane discipline? The halfpipe event challenges athletes to perform aerial tricks and spins on a steep, semicircular slope, with judges awarding points based on difficulty, execution, amplitude, and overall impression. Lee’s first run was a masterclass in consistency and control—no major mistakes, just clean, technical skiing that wowed the judges and left fans back home holding their breath.
According to multiple reports, Lee’s second run was a gamble for even higher marks. He attempted a high-difficulty jump, aiming to push his score further up the leaderboard. Unfortunately, the landing didn’t go as planned, and he failed to improve his tally. Still, the earlier 76.00 points were more than enough to punch his ticket to the next round. "He performed a stable run without mistakes in the first run, earning 76.00 points," noted one source, underscoring the importance of nailing that crucial first attempt.
The finals, where medals and Olympic glory are on the line, are set for February 21 at 3:30 AM Korean time. There’s a palpable sense of anticipation—not just for Lee’s own prospects, but for what this means for the sport in Korea. Lee’s journey hasn’t been an overnight sensation. Four years ago at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, he finished 16th in the qualifiers and missed out on the finals. That setback, however, ignited a fire. Lee spent the intervening years building his resume and honing his skills on the world stage.
His list of achievements is impressive by any measure. Back in 2021, Lee claimed the runner-up spot at the Junior World Championships, the best-ever result for a Korean freestyle skier. In February 2024, he made another leap forward by capturing a World Cup bronze medal—South Korea’s first podium finish in freestyle skiing at that level. Then, at the 2025 Harbin Winter Asian Games, Lee clinched gold, once again breaking new ground for his country. "He won South Korea's first freestyle skiing gold medal at the 2025 Harbin Winter Asian Games," as highlighted in the records.
Lee’s rise mirrors the growing stature of freestyle skiing in Korea, a nation traditionally known for its prowess in short track speed skating and figure skating. The halfpipe, with its blend of artistry and athleticism, has been gaining traction, especially after recent successes in snowboarding. At these very Olympics, Choi Ga-on delivered Korea’s first-ever gold in the women’s snowboard halfpipe, further fueling excitement around snow sports.
For Lee, this Olympic campaign is about more than personal redemption. It’s a chance to inspire a new generation of skiers and prove that Korean athletes can compete—and excel—on the world’s biggest stage. The atmosphere in Livigno was electric as Lee completed his runs. After his first attempt, he raised both hands in the air, a gesture of triumph and relief. The significance wasn’t lost on anyone who’s followed his journey from promising junior to Olympic finalist.
Meanwhile, fellow Korean competitor Moon Hee-sung also took part in the qualifiers but faced a tougher outing. Scoring 35.00 points in his first run and unable to improve in his second, Moon finished 22nd and did not advance to the finals. The depth of the field was evident, with many seasoned athletes vying for those coveted twelve spots. Still, Moon’s participation is a testament to the growing depth of talent in Korean freestyle skiing—a sport that, until recently, was barely on the radar domestically.
The men’s freestyle skiing halfpipe is a relatively new discipline at the Olympics, having debuted only in 2014. Since then, it’s become a showcase for innovation, risk-taking, and fearless athleticism. For Lee, the road to Milan-Cortina has been paved with setbacks and breakthroughs, each fueling his quest for excellence. His finals appearance is a reward for years of perseverance and a sign that the sport’s future in Korea is brighter than ever.
Looking ahead to the finals, expectations are sky-high. Lee has already made history, but the opportunity to add an Olympic medal to his collection is tantalizingly close. The competition will be fierce, with the world’s best bringing their A-game to the halfpipe. But if Lee’s past is any indication, he’s more than ready for the challenge.
As the clock ticks down to the finals, fans across Korea and beyond will be tuning in, eager to see if Lee Seung-hoon can take his Olympic dream one step further. No matter the outcome, his landmark achievement has already elevated Korean freestyle skiing to new heights—and the best may be yet to come.