Ex-figure skater K-pop star sparks airport frenzy in Milan
Sunghoon of ENHYPEN, an ambassador for the South Korean Olympic delegation, is surrounded by fans as he moves through the arrival hall at Milan Malpensa Airport in Italy, Thursday. Yonhap
The arrival hall at Milan Malpensa Airport turned into a frenzy Thursday as K-pop star Sunghoon arrived ahead of the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. The ENHYPEN member drew a crush of local fans who packed the terminal, shouting his name and scrambling for photos as he made his way through the crowd.
Sunghoon, 23, touched down alongside the South Korean national figure skating team. Dozens of local fans swarmed the terminal, creating a chaotic but celebratory scene as they clamored for photos and autographs from the idol.
The moment bridged two worlds for Sunghoon. Before debuting as a singer, he was a competitive figure skater and a reserve member of the South Korean national team. Since May 2025, he has also been a goodwill ambassador for the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee.
Sunghoon of ENHYPEN attends a press conference at the Korea House in Villa Necchi Campiglio, Milan, Thursday. Yonhap
His visit to Milan is not just symbolic. Sunghoon was selected as an official torchbearer for the Games, joining BTS’ Jin as one of only two K-pop artists to be chosen for an Olympic torch relay outside Korea. ENHYPEN’s track “SHOUT OUT” has also been named the official cheer song for Team Korea.
“Knowing the passion and effort of our national athletes, who have worked tirelessly for the Winter Olympics, I support them wholeheartedly,” Sunghoon said through his agency. “Competing in the Olympics was my dream when I was a figure skater. I’m happy to feel as if I’ve fulfilled that dream in a different way as a singer.”
Korean figure skater Cha Jun-hwan signs an autograph for a fan upon arriving at Milan Malpensa International Airport in Italy, Wednesday. Yonhap
Shortly after Sunghoon’s arrival, fans extended an equally warm welcome to Cha Jun-hwan, star of the men’s figure skating team. The 24-year-old skater stepped into the terminal to applause, bouquets and gift bags from supporters who had gathered to greet him.
“I am grateful that so many fans welcomed and cheered for me,” Cha said. “I will use this support to show my best performance.”
Milan Cortina marks Cha’s third Olympic appearance. He previously made history for Korean men’s skating by finishing 15th at the PyeongChang Games in 2018 and a career-best 5th at the Beijing Games in 2022.
“I’m very excited,” he said. “Since I’m competing in both the team event and the individual singles event, I want to set the tone early and build momentum starting from the team competition.”
This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.