Beijing Olympic Judo Gold Medalist Choi Min-ho Officially Supports Candidate Han Dong-hoon
Beijing Olympic judo gold medalist Choi Min-ho, a former national team athlete, has officially declared his support for Han Dong-hoon, who is running in the People Power Party’s presidential primary.
It is unusual for a figure from the sports world to express political views during a presidential primary, drawing attention from the political sphere.
In a statement released on the 24th, former athlete Choi Min-ho said, “I will change the world with Han Dong-hoon’s 'one! match! win!'” He emphasized, “Just like I won a gold medal with a decisive victory in my judo career, the only person who can create a ‘one match win’ in the head-to-head contest against Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party candidate, is Han Dong-hoon.”
He continued, “As a staunch conservative, I fully support candidate Han Dong-hoon, who is a hopeful conservative and a decisive politician capable of crossing the 'river of martial law.' Just like I was a small but strong 'little giant,' candidate Han Dong-hoon is a leader who does not back down even in the face of crisis."
Choi announced that starting from the 1st of next month, he plans to communicate directly with the people and lend support on the ground for Han Dong-hoon’s overwhelming victory.
The Political Steps of a Sports Hero: Their Meaning and Influence
Rep. Jin Jong-oh, who serves as the youth committee chair for the People First Camp, expressed his gratitude regarding Choi Min-ho's support, saying, “I am truly thankful that my longtime younger brother, a fellow gold medalist, is backing candidate Han Dong-hoon.”
Rep. Jin added, “Having spent precious years in our youth, I hope that now he will properly recognize the political situation regarding the realities of the Republic of Korea and do his best to lead and guide the youth.”
Choi Min-ho has been active as a national representative since his time at Yongin University. He gained prominence for winning gold at the 2003 Osaka World Judo Championships and the 2006 Lisbon International Judo Tournament, and in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, he secured the gold medal with a 'one match win' in every match, elevating the status of judo in the Republic of Korea.
Image Sources: Choi Min-ho / Photo by Rep. Jin Jong-oh, Han Dong-hoon candidate / News1, MBC
