Enhypen’s Sunghoon, a former figure skating prodigy, proudly carried the Olympic torch for the upcoming 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics in Italy. The event, slated to open this Friday, saw Sunghoon taking part in the torch relay, according to his agency, Belift Lab.
The area surrounding Milan’s Bolivar Station became a hub of excitement as fans from around the globe gathered to witness Sunghoon’s participation in this significant event.
As Sunghoon commenced his torch-bearing segment, receiving the Olympic flame with evident pride, the enthusiastic crowd moved alongside him along the route. He walked for approximately 20 minutes, engaging with residents and fans, offering smiles and waves, before passing the torch to the next designated runner.
Prior to his successful debut as an idol, Sunghoon showcased exceptional talent as a figure skater, earning a place on South Korea’s national figure skating reserve team. He was a highly promising skater, achieving recognition in the junior division at the 2014 Korea Figure Skating Championships and participating in the prestigious ISU Junior Grand Prix.
After retiring from his figure skating career in 2019, Sunghoon transitioned to the world of K-pop, debuting the following year through Mnet’s popular audition program “I-Land.”
“Coming to the Olympic stage was my first dream as an athlete. I chose a different path as an idol, but being here still feels like realizing that dream,” Sunghoon shared with reporters following the torch relay.
Sunghoon’s participation marks him as the second K-pop star to serve as an Olympic torchbearer, following in the footsteps of BTS’s Jin, who participated in the torch relay for the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics.
Since last year, Sunghoon has been an ambassador for the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee. He was selected as a torchbearer for the Winter Olympics on the recommendation of Samsung Electronics, an official sponsor of the Games, according to industry sources.
The seven-member group Enhypen’s song “Shout Out,” featured on their third mini album “Manifesto: Day 1,” has been chosen as the official cheering anthem for Korea’s Olympic squad, further solidifying their connection to the Games.
The 2026 Winter Games will officially commence with an opening ceremony at San Siro Stadium in Milan at 8 p.m. local time, which translates to 4 a.m. Saturday in Korea. The Games will run through Feb. 23, with approximately 3,500 athletes competing for a total of 116 gold medals. A total of 130 members will represent Team Korea, comprising 71 athletes across six sports and 59 officials.
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