By Sunny Lee
Korea Times Correspondent
BEIJING ― After grabbing an Olympic medal, a big cash reward and international fame and recognition, what more could a female Korean athlete want?
Weightlifter Yoon Jin-hee, 22, who claimed the silver medal Sunday, is looking for a boyfriend.
"Frankly, I didn't give it much thought before," she told a news conference late Sunday night in Beijing, hinting at her busy training schedule in preparing for the Olympics.
But with more time on her hands to think about life in general, she realizes what's missing.
"A man with a vision would be great," Yoon said.
When asked to elaborate on her romantic ambition, she said, "I hope to meet someone whose character is compatible with mine. I think that's the most important factor."
Yoon also dismissed a common perception that female weightlifters, based on their physical appearance, lack femininity. "We are also women. When we have time, we go out shopping and look for new clothes. We are as interested in make-up as other women are," she said.
"When I'm on the subway, I don't grab the hanger because if I do, my muscles pop out. That would greatly surprise people around me. But on the other hand, it's also good to have some muscles. For example, it's very easy for me to open a bottle."
Today's Korean women strive to get the "S-line'' figure, referring to the shape of the letter in the English alphabet.
"We also do have an S-line," the smiling Yoon said, adding, "That is, if you look at us from behind."
Yet, she said she wants to meet someone who places little importance on appearance, someone "who can understand me."
Yoon's true ambition goes even beyond having a boyfriend. "As I was watching the Korean national flag today [at the awards ceremony], I just wished it could've been located at the center," she said, referring to the place where the national flag of the gold medallist is displayed.
"I hope to get a better shot at the 2012 London Olympics."