Jovial weightlifting bronze medallist Kim Soo-hyun: “I’d like to see more interest in karate”

At the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in 2021, Kim Soo-hyun (28, Busan City Sports Association) was ruled a ‘no lift’ when he lifted 140kg in the third phase of the dragon phase, which would have given him a bronze medal.

On the morning of his own competition at the Hangzhou 2022 Asian Games, his ‘lover’ Pee Jae-yoon (21-Korea Karate Federation) had his medal challenge halted by a rather disappointing ruling.

The ominous energy seemed to be directed at Kim, but she left the venue on 5 May with a smile on her face.

He posed for photos with his mother, Lee Sang-ji, and boyfriend, Pee Jae-yoon. Around his neck was the bronze medal he so desperately wanted.

Kim finished third in the women’s weightlifting 76kg Group A competition at the Hangzhou 2022 Asian Games at the Xiaoshan Sports Centre in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, China, on Friday with a lift of 105kg, a snatch of 138kg and a total of 243kg.

Fourth-placed Wen Huei (26-TAIWAN) had a total of 242kg (105kg lifted and 137kg snatch).

The moment he secured the bronze medal was also dramatic.

When Hsu lifted 137kg in the third phase of the competition, Kim requested 138kg.

Kim lifted the barbell, but two of the three judges ruled it a “no lift” (failure).

South Korea immediately appealed, and after a video review, it was overturned to a ‘good lift’.

Soo Hyun Kim cried in the waiting room.

“I cried in the waiting room,” Kim laughed when we met after the ceremony.

“It was a similar situation to the one at the Tokyo Olympics, but this time I was sure that I had lifted the barbell correctly,” he recalled, “and the coaches were also convinced, so I did the challenge without delay.”

He was disturbed by the misfortune that befell his lover, Pie Jae-yoon.

Jae-yoon lost 2-4 to Iran’s Bahman Asghari in the men’s 75kg kumite round of 16. He took a 2-1 lead with a celestial score one second before the end of the match, but immediately conceded to a kicking attack and lost 2-4.

Bachmann’s strike came as the final whistle sounded and was ruled a goal after a video review.

“Obviously, the opponent attacked me after the game was over,” Kim said, before adding, “It was very bitter. I didn’t express my emotions because I had an important game coming up,” he reflected.

Jae-yoon pushed through the pain and came to the weight room to support Kim.

“Of course, I could hear Jae-yoon’s voice,” Kim said, and put his arm around her waist.

Jae-yoon wasn’t the only one cheering for Kim.

“At first, I didn’t realise that the Chinese athlete (Liao Guifang) had given up on the Long Jump. Afterwards, not only our national team coach, but also the North Korean coach (Kim Chun-hee) told me, ‘You have a chance,'” he said, adding, “I became more focused and concentrated until the end.”

“I like (North Korean weightlifting hero) Lim Jung Shim, but the North Korean coach calls me ‘Geum Shim,'” he said.

Kim also believes that his mentor, the late former Incheon Sports Federation coach Kim Kyung-sik, is looking down on him from heaven.

People always gather around his bright and warm personality. Kim Soo-hyun is the ‘homeboy’ of the Jincheon Athletes’ Village.

Many athletes, regardless of their sport, have sent him messages of support.

The unfortunate memories of finishing fourth at the 2014 Incheon and 2018 Jakarta-Palembang Asian Games, and being disqualified from the Tokyo Olympics, have faded from her memory amidst the support of so many people.

“I used to be traumatised, but I’m fine now,” she said.

There were so many people to thank, but once the ceremony was over, Kim was first to meet the two people who meant the most to her.

He presented his mother, Lee Sang-ji, with a bronze medal and held hands with his partner, Pee Jae-yoon.

Kim’s introduction to the two was also sweet.

“My mum is so beautiful, isn’t she? I’m beautiful because I look like her, and I wish you much success in karate.” 스포츠토토