Jung Min-ho has worked as a staff writer at The Korea Times since 2012, mostly covering social and political issues. He currently belongs to the Politics & City Desk where he covers topics such as health, labor and human rights. Prior to joining the team, he was responsible for covering North Korea and sports. His article about a biosecurity breach of Middle East respiratory syndrome won him an award from the Korea Science Journalists Association in 2016. He is also the co-author of the book, "Medical Pioneers of Korea" (2019). He served as the head of the international relations committee at the Journalists Association of Korea from 2021 to 2023.
Taekwondo veteran Lee cherishes her new silver
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Lee In-jong smiles during an interview with The Korea Times. / Korea Times
By Jung Min-ho
By Jung Min-ho
PUEBLA, Mexico — Lee In-jong won a silver medal at the World Taekwondo Championships after losing to Glenhis Hernandez of Cuba in the women’s under-73-kilogram final Saturday.
In a sport where anything less than gold is considered to be a letdown for a Korean, Lee described winning the silver as the “happiest moment” of her life.
This wasn’t the typical reaction of an athlete who, up 1-0, was 10 seconds away from winning the gold. But the resilient Hernandez was able to connect on two kicks within that short span to complete a dramatic 5-1 comeback win.
It was a devastating loss for Lee, her third world championships silver in a career still in search of a first gold. But instead of showing tears, she was smiling like a Cheshire cat. The oldest member of Korea’s national team in Puebla at the age of 30, she talked about seeing the bigger picture beyond the color of the hardware.
“I never prayed particularly for the gold ... there are bound to be winners and losers (after every match). After getting a great opportunity to compete at the international competition once again, this time, I prayed for athletes who would be forced to consider themselves as losers,” Lee said, referring to a recent case where the father of a taekwondo practitioner committed suicide over judging controversies at a national contest.
“I thought this whole experience was a bonus. I really did not expect to win it all the way.”
After taking two silver medals in the 2007 Beijing and 2009 Copenhagen events, people around Lee encouraged her, saying “you can win the gold this time.” Lee never allowed that pressure to get to her and prevent her from enjoying what could easily be her last world championships before retirement.
“I feel great. I mean it,” Lee said with a laugh.
“I think it’s the people around me who feel bad for me every time I lose. I’m alright. It’s not like the first time I lost in a gold medal match anyway.”
Lee took the lead with her left round kick and kept it until 17 seconds before the end. After giving up one point for warning accumulated, however, Hernandez’s round kicks hit her body and head in a flash to finish the match. Lee’s initial plan was to retire after the London Games last year.
“But a disappointing result at the Olympics reminded me of the time when I just appreciated the opportunity itself to do taekwondo,” she said. “I was afraid (of failure) but I wanted to return this time.”
Lee’s contract with Samsung Sports will expire this year.
She did not clearly talk about her retirement plan apart from maintaining that she will continue her challenge.
“I’m not sure this competition will be my last one as an athlete,” Lee said. “But for life, my challenge has just begun.”
Lee is planning her wedding after her boy friend proposed to her after the London Olympics.