2026 Winter Olympics: Meet Korea’s First Snowboarding Medalists and Their Record-Breaking Rewards!

Kim Sang-gyeom / Photo by Kwon Kwang-il

Snowboarders Kim Sang-gyeom and Yoo Seung-eun are set to receive substantial cash bonuses from the Korea Ski & Snowboard Association after clinching the first two medals for South Korea at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics.

The association announced on February 10 that Kim will be awarded 200 million KRW (approximately 150,000 USD), while Yoo will receive 100 million KRW (about 75,000 USD).

Kim secured a silver medal in the men’s parallel giant slalom at the Snowpark in Livigno, Italy, on February 8.

This podium finish marks a significant milestone for Kim in his fourth Olympic appearance.

Kim’s Olympic journey has been one of perseverance. After finishing 17th at the 2014 Sochi Games and reaching the tournament but falling in the round of 16 at the 2018 PyeongChang Games, he faced disappointment with a 24th place finish at the 2022 Beijing Games.

However, Kim’s determination finally paid off in his fourth Olympic attempt, as he stood proudly on the podium.

Yoo Seung-eun / Photo by Getty Images

Yoo added to South Korea’s medal count by clinching bronze in the women’s big air final at the same venue in Livigno, Italy.

In her Olympic debut, Yoo made history as the first Korean snowboarder to win an Olympic medal in the big air event and the first Korean female athlete to secure a medal in an Olympic snow event.

These achievements by Kim and Yoo represent the first and second medals for South Korea at these Games, as well as the second and third Olympic medals in the nation’s skiing and snowboarding history. Notably, this marks the first time South Korea has won two medals in skiing and snowboarding at a single Olympic Games.

The association had previously set reward amounts prior to the 2022 Beijing Games: 300 million KRW (225,000 USD) for gold, 200 million KRW (150,000 USD) for silver, and 100 million KRW (75,000 USD) for bronze. Despite no medals being won in Beijing, the association maintained these reward levels.

The bonus structure extends beyond the Olympics, with rewards offered for top-six finishes in events such as World Championships, World Cup, Youth Olympics, and Junior World Championships.

For Olympic performances, fourth place earns 50 million KRW (37,500 USD), fifth place receives 30 million KRW (22,500 USD), and sixth place gets 10 million KRW (7,500 USD).

The Korea Ski & Snowboard Association plans to hold a ceremony next month to present these rewards following the Olympic success.

[Sports Today, Kang Tae-goo sports@stoo.com]
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