The Korea National Sports Promotion Corporation, led by Chairman Ha Hyeon-joo, launches recruitment for key recipients of the 2026 National Team Athlete Return Support Fund. This initiative targets current and former national team athletes transitioning to civilian life through business startups.
Eligibility and Selection Process
Small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs qualify for the program. Officials expect to select approximately 31 participants from current national team members. Selected recipients receive 5 million won monthly for 10 months, from March to December, totaling 50 million won per person.
The support facilitates startups via small business economic centers. Aspiring entrepreneurs and startups affiliated with education corporations may also apply. Detailed application guidelines are available through the startup economic corporation’s Band platform.
Application Details for Education Corporations
Education corporations have a maximum recruitment quota of three slots starting March 2. Employees can submit applications directly through the corporation’s internal employee portal.
A spokesperson for the corporation stated, “This support aims to address employment challenges for selected national team athletes by enabling their successful return through startup ventures.”
