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| Kim Dong-seon / Yonhap |
By Choi Ha-young
Kim Dong-seon, South Korea's sole equestrian at the Rio Olympics, dropped out of the competition and returned to Seoul to attend on his grandmother's funeral, Wednesday.
Kim is the son of South Korean conglomerate Hanwha CEO Kim Seung-yeon and grandson of Kang Tae-young, the company founder's wife, who died at 90, Thursday.
The 27-year-old equestrian was ranked on 17th among 30 players on day one of the competition.
Kim's two older brothers, who were in Rio to cheer for Kim, are coming back to Seoul together. His two brothers are also working at the group's high-ranking positions.
Kang's funeral is placed at Seoul National University Hospital in Jongno, central Seoul. Her son Kim Seung-yeon is staying there, greeting guests.
Before passing away, Kang used to support literacy communities and was involved in social contributions for elderly and disabled.
Kim had announced to retire from the sports after 2014 Incheon Asian Games to focus his work with Hanwha but resumed the sport in 2015. Kim won gold medals in three consecutive Asian Games ― 2006 Doha, 2010 Guangzhou and 2014 Incheon Games. Rio Games were his first Olympic campaign.
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