Kim Ye-ji: From Olympic Glory to Fashion Icon, But Still Just Kim

Following her meteoric rise to internet fame after the Olympics, Kim Ye-ji maintains that life hasn’t changed significantly. The South Korean shooter, known for her cool demeanor and remarkable skills, casually dug out her Olympic silver medal from the depths of her backpack, joking, “No wonder my bag was heavy!”

At 32, Kim showcased her medal during an interview with CNN Sport at her shooting range in North Jeolla Province, far from the hustle of Seoul. The accolades and banners celebrating her achievements in Imsil County serve as reminders of her newfound celebrity, but the true transformation lies in her numerous photo shoots for luxury brands and television appearances.

Kim first captured the public’s attention during a World Cup event in Baku, Azerbaijan, where her steely gaze while holding a pistol became a viral sensation. Praise for her “main character energy” surged, and her charisma continued to shine at the Paris Olympics. Yet, despite her fame, she insists, “Nothing has changed much after the Olympics.”

A Journey into Shooting

Kim’s journey began in elementary school, sparked by a simple question from her gym teacher: “Who wants to do some shooting?” At that time, shooting was not a widely recognized sport in South Korea, which had only earned a handful of Olympic medals by the time she entered the scene in 2005.

“I was so young then, and I thought it would be fun,” she reflects. Initially, it was a casual activity, but Kim’s natural talent led her to pursue shooting professionally. “I stuck with it to earn money,” she admits, transitioning from student to athlete.

The turning point in her career came in 2019 when she met her coach, Kwak Min-su, at the Imsil County Office team. “He’s been a very credible coach, so I wanted to work hard and pay him back,” she says, highlighting the dedication that has since propelled her success.

By April 2023, Kim became the only South Korean shooter to qualify for two events at the Paris Olympics, showcasing her precision and hard work. She made headlines by setting a women’s 25-meter pistol world record in Baku, further cementing her status.

Emotions at the Olympics

The pressure of the Olympic stage often intimidates first-time competitors, but Kim found joy in the experience. “I didn’t feel much emotion during the 10m event; I was really enjoying myself,” she recalls. Competing alongside her teammate, Oh Ye-jin, the two advanced to the final, where Kim earned a silver medal.

“Although there were some regrets, I didn’t feel disappointment for not winning gold,” she reflects. Just days later, Kim faced a challenging qualification round for the women’s 25m pistol event, where a momentary lapse nearly derailed her. However, she refocused and achieved remarkable scores despite not qualifying for the final.

A Style Icon Emerges

Beyond her athletic prowess, Kim captivated audiences with her unique style during the Games. Sporting a plush elephant towel, a backward cap, and futuristic glasses, she embraced a look that combined practicality with flair. “I dress super plain, but people tell me I look good,” she says, humbly downplaying her fashion influence.

Despite her modesty, Kim has worked with prestigious brands like Louis Vuitton and Givenchy, delighting fans. Her appeal even caught the attention of Elon Musk, who suggested she could star in an action film. Kim recently landed a role as an assassin in the series “Crush,” a testament to her crossover appeal.

“I’m an athlete first, so I never thought about acting,” she states. However, she recognizes the opportunity to promote the sport she loves.

Looking Ahead

Amidst her rising fame and various commitments, Kim remains grounded in her identity as an athlete. “I’m thankful for being called a fashion icon, but shooting is part of my life,” she affirms. South Korea’s shooting team has seen tremendous success, and Kim aspires to continue that legacy.

With an eye on the LA 2028 Olympics, she’s already preparing for the ISSF World Cup final in India. More personally, Kim has promised her six-year-old daughter that she will bring home a gold medal next time. After winning silver in Paris, her daughter urged her to aim higher.

“Just wait, mommy will win the gold,” Kim reassures, embodying both determination and a mother’s love as she continues her journey in the world of shooting.