Climber to take on 28-story building to help children

Sports climber Kim Ja-in

By Kwon Ji-youn

Sports climber Kim Ja-in will climb a 28-story building to raise money for underprivileged children, Kim’s management company All That Sports said Friday.

The event, dubbed “Cass Light Buildering in Busan,” will take place at the Korea New Network building in Busan. “Buildering” is an uncommon compound word that brings together the words “building” and “bouldering,” and refers to the act of climbing a building, as opposed to mountains, natural rock formations or artificial rock walls.

“I am really looking forward to the climb since it is something I have always wanted to do,” Kim said. “I hope that this climb will promote awareness about sports climbing. Also, the climb is all the more meaningful because it will help children in need.”

Kim is a member of the Northface Climbing Team. In 2011, she placed first in six of the eight International Federation of Sports Climbing (IFSC) Women Lead and Bouldering World Cup competitions she participated in, and placed second in two. She also placed first in five world cup competitions in 2010.

She also placed first in the 2010 Arco Rock Master competition, which is known to be the competition which climbers want to win the most.

From Thursday to Saturday, Kim participated in the 2013 IFSC Women Lead World Cup held in Briancon, France. She placed first overall in the competition and continues to top the world rankings.

Kim has “buildered” before. In 2005, she ascended the 20-floor Doosan building located in Nonhyeon-dong, southern Seoul.

As before, Kim will climb the frame of the building using a rope. Police officers, relevant district officials and firefighters will be on call during the climb, and an ambulance will be parked nearby in case of emergencies.

For every 10 meters Kim climbs, one million won will be donated to the Grace Home, a Busan-based child welfare institution.

The climb is sponsored by All That Sports, beer brand Cass, Korea New Network and Daum Communications.