South Korea’s short track speed skating team failed to advance to the medal round in the men’s 500m semifinals at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics on February 10 (Korean time) at the Milan Ice Skate Arena.
Semifinal Setback
The team, defending champions from the Beijing Olympics four years ago, entered the semifinals with high expectations. In Heat 2, South Korea took an early lead but faltered after Kim Gilli received a penalty for obstruction, finishing third with a time of 2:46.57 and missing the A final.
Prior rounds saw the Koreans overpower Canada, Belgium, and the United States, showcasing dominant form. However, the semifinal clash exposed vulnerabilities, with officials noting a lack of the expected edge even in high-pressure moments.
Penalty Controversy Sparks Debate
Kim Gilli held the lead until the penalty incident involving a U.S. skater, mirroring a similar move by American Corey Stoodard earlier. While the U.S. escaped sanction, Korea did not, fueling frustration.
A team official remarked, “Kim Gilli faced the same situation as the U.S. skater during the same lap, but we were the ones penalized. We even placed 100-dollar bets on securing the lead, yet it didn’t happen.”
Judges clarified the call, but the official added, “In two heats, sympathy plays a role in judging every time. We explained the facts accurately. Both skaters were in third place, as we saw it.”
“Our view was the same lap positioning, but the judgment matched the facts. Even in the heat’s outcome and medal standings, we didn’t receive points. Such situations feel regrettable and worrying,” the official stated.
Advancement Rules and Team Outlook
Under International Skating Union (ISU) rules, teams need first or second place in semifinals—or secure an advancement spot—to earn own-time qualification for the medal round. Korea’s third-place finish dashed those hopes.
Despite the loss, the team views it as part of broader challenges in a variable sport. Officials aim to rebound, targeting double gold medals this Olympics, though early stumbles raise concerns. Fortunately, the mixed relay result avoided similar judging issues.
