South Korean figure skaters Cha Jun-hwan and Shin Ji-a are intensifying preparations for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, showcasing strong performances in recent short programs while targeting medals through their free skates.
Cha Jun-hwan’s Strong Short Program Showing
Cha Jun-hwan, competing in the men’s singles, delivered a solid performance at the Milan AI skating arena in Italy on January 11 (local time). During the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics figure skating short program event, he earned a technical element score (TES) of 50.08 and a program component score (PCS) of 42.64, totaling 92.72 points for sixth place.
Although he fell short of his personal best, Cha recovered strongly, advancing among the top 24 skaters to the free skate phase on January 14. Observers highlight massive fan support on social media, with Korean athletes drawing significant cheers. Addressing reactions to his ‘Idol’ program choice, Cha stated, “Idol fits perfectly,” and added, “I’m nervous but ready.”
With past results including 15th place at the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics and fifth at the 2022 Beijing Games, Cha aims to secure South Korea’s first Olympic medal in men’s figure skating.
Shin Ji-a Advances with Steady Performance
Shin Ji-a, a rising star in women’s singles, placed fourth in her short program on January 6 with 68.80 points, though below her personal best of 74.47. She advanced as one of four out of ten qualifiers, demonstrating consistency with a triple Lutz jump combination.
Analysts praise her as a medal-winning talent, noting four consecutive junior world medals from 2022 through 2025, alongside seven straight national titles. Known for her charisma reminiscent of Kim Yuna, Shin continues a 16-year medal streak post-Kim Yuna era. She competes in the free skate on January 18 at 2:45 p.m. local time, capturing global attention with her poised expressions and fan engagement.
Experts emphasize that both skaters’ recent outings signal promising momentum, with Korean representatives earning widespread acclaim and positioning for deeper Olympic runs.
