Cha Jun-hwan honored by Milva's daughter for Olympic performance

Cha Jun-hwan performs his free skate during the men's singles figure skating event at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics at Milan Ice Skating Arena, Friday. Yonhap

MILAN — The daughter of late Italian musical icon Milva personally thanked South Korean figure skater Cha Jun-hwan for honoring her mother’s legacy on the Olympic ice.

Martina Corgnati visited the Korea House in Milan, Feb. 15, to meet the 24-year-old skater. Cha performed his free skate program to Milva’s dramatic rendition of "Balada para un loco" (Ballad for a Madman) during the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics.

A Italian diva of the '60s and '70s, Milva was renowned for her theatrical interpretations and commanding stage presence. Her version of "Balada para un loco" is celebrated for its tragic yet intense emotional depth.

Cha Jun-hwan performs during the men's singles free skating event at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics at Milan Ice Skating Arena, Friday. Newsis

Cha had originally selected the "Moulin Rouge!" soundtrack for the Olympic season but reverted to Milva's song, which he used during the 2023-24 campaign, citing a profound connection to the piece.

"When I skate to this music, I feel almost bewitched by Milva's voice," Cha said. He specifically highlighted the section where the word "piantao" — Argentine slang for "crazy" — repeats. "That part feels incredibly truthful and honest."

Martina Corgnati, daughter of the late Italian singer Milva, expresses her gratitude to figure skater Cha Jun-hwan at the Korea House in Milan, Feb. 15. Courtesy of Korean Sport & Olympic Committee

Corgnati said she was deeply touched by this tribute to her mother, who died in 2021.

"I was moved that you performed to my mother's song," Corgnati told Cha in a video message. "Although she passed away five years ago, if she had seen your performance, she would have been just as thankful and moved as I am."

Cha finished fourth in the men's singles event Friday. Despite a fall during the program, he completed the routine with the emotional intensity characteristic of the song. Corgnati praised this resilience.

"It was beautiful to see you fall and get back up to finish the performance," she said.

Gifts presented by Martina Corgnati, daughter of the late Italian singer Milva, to figure skater Cha Jun-hwan are displayed at the Korea House in Milan, Feb. 15. The items include a CD of "Ballad for a Madman" and special stamps issued in honor of the singer. Courtesy of Korean Sport & Olympic Committee

Corgnati presented Cha with a special edition CD of the song and a set of commemorative stamps issued in Italy four years ago in honor of the singer.

"These stamps are very rare," Corgnati said. "It is an honor that they will be kept at your home in Korea. If you are willing, I would love to stay in touch. Thank you so much."

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.