Hana Financial Group honors Winter Paralympics MVP Kim Yun-ji

Hana Financial Group Chairman Ham Young-joo, front row left, and Kim Yun-ji, a cross-country skier at the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Paralympics, pose during a ceremony congratulating the athlete at the group's headquarters in Seoul, Thursday. Back row from left are Hana Bank CEO Lee Ho-seoung, Kim's father, Kim's mother and Hana Card CEO Sung Young-su. Kim's father is a Hana Card employee. Courtesy of Hana Financial Group

Hana Financial Group hosted a celebratory event for Paralympic athlete Kim Yun-ji, who was named most valuable player (MVP) of the Korean delegation at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Paralympics, the group said Friday.

The event, held at the group's headquarters in central Seoul the previous day, brought together employees for a fan signing session and a ceremony to present a cash award in recognition of Kim's performance.

At the Paralympics, held from March 5 to 16, the 19-year-old athlete won five medals — two gold and three silver — in biathlon and cross-country skiing. The result marked the first time a Korean athlete has won five medals at a single Olympic or Paralympic Winter Games.

The gathering was held to celebrate Kim's achievements, which marked a new milestone for Korean sports, and to support her future endeavors, the group said, noting that her father is an employee at the group's affiliate Hana Card.

"I was able to give my best performance until the end despite difficult conditions thanks to the support and encouragement I've received," Kim said. "I appreciate Hana Financial Group for inviting me. As part of the Hana family, I will continue striving for better performances."

Hana Chairman Ham Young-joo said the athlete's performance and determination has inspired many.

"Hana Financial understands the value of athletes who continued to pursue their paths even when they were not in the spotlight," he said. "We will continue to provide meaningful support so they can pursue their goals in a better environment."

The group noted that it has expanded support for para sports since 2018, including partnerships with the Korean Paralympic Committee. It has also provided support to professional golfer Lee Seung-min, who has autism, and hosted competitions for artists with developmental disabilities as part of the firm's broader social initiatives.