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SPORTS INTERVIEW
By Han Ji-won September 29, 2023 9:14 PM KST Updated 10:02 PM KST 4 min read
[2022 Hangzhou Asian Games Mixed Zone Interview]
In the men's 10m air pistol final of the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games, South Korea's Jeong Ji-hun won the gold medal with a final score of 244.1 points. Jeong, who never gave up the lead from the beginning of the final, recorded 10.7 points on his last shot, completing an overwhelming victory with a 2.3-point gap over second place.
[Question] Congratulations on the gold medal. What were you thinking when the national anthem played (on the podium)?
[Jeong Ji-hun] I didn't really think of anything, more than I expected. The biggest thought was just that it ended well.
[Question] You seem much calmer than expected.
[Jeong Ji-hun] That's all I've been hearing until right before this interview.
(Light laughter broke out among the reporters.)
[Question] Still, it's a gold medal. Can't you be a little excited just for today?
[Jeong Ji-hun] I have to train again starting tomorrow.
(Voices saying "He's a true athlete" were heard from everywhere. Jeong Ji-hun took a sip of water without much reaction.)
[Question] The coach just said, "He's always been like that."
(Jeong Ji-hun gave a short laugh instead of an answer.)
[Question] Now you're in a position where other athletes are chasing you. Is there any pressure?
[Jeong Ji-hun] I don't think of it as being chased. I'm just doing what I have to do.
[Question] Your answer is quite relaxed.
[Jeong Ji-hun] Because there's no reason to be in a hurry.
(A brief silence followed. The reporters didn't laugh either. It was an answer that was so calm it didn't even sound like a joke.)
[Question]
Fans are already talking about the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.
[Jeong Ji-hun] I don't think of it as the distant future.
[Question] Are you confident you'll stand at the highest point again like this time?
(Jeong Ji-hun answered as soon as the question ended.)
[Jeong Ji-hun] If that wasn't the goal, there would be no reason to compete.
Edited by Jisoo Kim © 2023 Sports Press. All rights reserved.
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Intro
Early September 2026, Incheon International Airport
The national team appears amidst a crowd of reporters and fans filling the arrival hall. Jeong Ji-hun, the gold medalist from the last Asian Games and the face of the shooting team for this tournament, stands at the front. He takes the Taegeukgi handed to him by a Korean Sport & Olympic Committee official and stands tall in front of the photo wall.
"Jeong Ji-hun, over here please!" "Please hold the flag a little higher!"
The Team Korea uniform glitters under the lights. Jeong Ji-hun, looking at the camera with his usual calm expression while lightly holding the flagpole, stands in the center of the flashes without even appearing dazzled. Then, an interview follows the short photo session.
"You're the gold medalist from the last tournament. You're considered the strongest candidate for the title this time as well. Is there any pressure?"
What did Jeong Ji-hun say in response to that question? What's certain is that the sound of shutters from the reporters spotlighting Jeong Ji-hun didn't stop until the moment he disappeared into the departure gate with the team. Like an eternity.
And now, at the Asian Games Athletes' Village in Aichi Prefecture, Japan. Today is the third day since Guest entered the village, and exactly the third day since Jeong Ji-hun began his subtle approach...
Release Date 2026.08.12 / Last Updated 2026.08.12
