July 21, 2011, Source

Translation by lakewood, yon, finesand, rock robster YNKF

“Sports Diplomat, really cool!”

Foreword

Kim YuNa, 'Queen of Durban', seemed almost recovered looking bright and cheerful. When the bid team returned victoriously on 8th, it was pitiable that she couldn't attend the formal ceremony. But, she came back to the usual lively figure skating queen who gave the whole nation happiness and joy. Dong-A Daily had an exclusive interview with Kim YuNa in downtown, Seoul for one and half hour. This was her 1st interview with domestic media after the S. African IOC meeting on 8th.

1. Q: I assume you are busy.
   A: I am often asked that question, but in reality I am enjoying rare chance of relaxing time. Wake up at 8, practice until 1 or 2 pm. If there are schedules such as an interview, I attend in the afternoon.
2. Q: TheBlue House dinner picture that Chairman Lee pulls your arm next to the President got publicity….
   A: In fact, I don't remember well what happened. I don't even remember who pulled my arm. Being a junior, I stood far distant back. I remember only that seniors told me, to take care of me, to step up to the front. Everybody tried hard and best, but it seemed that my contribution was particularly emphasized. I was really embarrassed.
3. Q: The dinner was in good mood?
   A: It was the first gathering since we left Durban. We were all pleased to see each other and everybody looked better.
4. Q: There reported a picture of your sitting in exhaustion at the airport chair….
   A: Durban was colder than I had expected. Even days before the presentation, many staffs including me suffered from a sore throat. I worried that the throat would make a trouble in presentation but fortunately it was OK. However, on the day leaving Durban, I felt too bad. In the airplane, I had fever, felt cold and covered me with 2 blankets. When the plane stopped in Bangkok, I was exhausted and almost vomited. I even thought, “Can I go to Seoul this way?” (But) From Bangkok to Seoul, I had a deep sleep thanks to medicine.
5. Q. It seems your tense nerves cleared up.
   A. Yes, I think so. I've never experienced that before even when I compete.
6. Q. I've heard that you aren't nervous even in a big competition, but why were you so much nervous this time?
   A. Competition is my personal issue, so it's alright to do things hard only for myself. If the result was not good, it's just my fault.
   But this time I worried very much because I was a part of a big group. I worried that if I can't do my best and bring trouble to the others.
7. Q. You showed up late in the bid campaign. (Technical briefing in last May at Swiss Lausanne was the first time that she removed her skate shoes off and participated to the sport diplomacy in formal dress. It's been only 2 months.)
   A. When I went to Lausanne 2 months before the presentation in Durban, our team had the mood that it'll be a serious situation if we fail again.　Everyone had a sense of urgency that we can't loose again because it's a 3rd try and already invested much money to Pyongchang.
8. Q: There are worries that 2018 Olympics will be a money-losing Olympics.
   A: Since I am an athlete, my biggest concern was that how wonderful it would be if Olympics is held in Korea, particularly in winter sports I do. It is a great honor for an athlete to see the Olympics in the home country.
9. Q: In your presentation, your English was really good…
   A: [With a shy/awkward/humble expression on her face] There was a teleprompter, so, really, all I had to do was read [Actually, we've been told that Yuna memorized the entire speech]…I didn't take any English lessons specifically for the presentation. Starting with my time in Canada beginning in 2007, the English that I learned naturally while talking with my coach(es) in the course of training was perhaps how I learned the most. I've always wanted to improve my English, so I've tried private lessons in the past, but when the season ends, I'm so physically tired that what I study doesn't stay in my head. So after Durban, when I hear people say that I speak so well, it's embarrassing. Fortunately, the words in my presentation were short and easy [ ], so, while practicing every day in my hotel room, I found that I had gradually and naturally memorized it!
10. [Article comment] Miss Kim said “When I did presentation my heart was pounding and my legs ware so shaky as I feel like they are collapsed, I've never felt like that in competition” and ” But when Pyongchang's name was called, waves of sensation and accomplishment which are in different level with those I got in Vancouver Oly rushed to me.”
    Q. It's surprising to hear that because I supposed OGM was more wonderful.
    A. I thought Korea is a really great country. 　　When I was in the competition in past days, peoples often asked me ” north or south? ”. I was not very happy with that. But this time I felt Korea is really great. Olympic is competitive race between countries, but on the ice I usually think my individual more than my country because figure skating is individual sports. 　So I can say I am aware of competitors themselves but not their nationalities. But in this time it was not. I felt from bottom of my heart that Oh, I'm a Korean Kim Yuna, and I'm so proud of being born in Korea.
11. Q: Havn't you ever taken a pessimistic [gloomy] view of the fact you were born in FS wasteland (Korea) ?
    A: Never. Though I realized later, I was lucky because domestic (national) competition was so severe in countries such as USA or Japan.
    But, come to think of it, I once wished that I had been born in an English speaking country since English language was too difficult to me.
12. Q. Is there any funny episode in Durban?
    A. No …(with a laugh). I mostly stayed in a hotel except for doing a practice before noon and having 3 meals in a day because it was not very safe.
    I just had a dinner, went my hotel room, watched some TV, and slept, thats all.
    Oh, we had the event that I teach figure skating to South African kids, but I didn't bring my own skate boots because I wasn't told that I should.
    And I borrowed one but the edge was not sharp, so I couldn't skate better than those kids. HAHAHA.
13. Q: How was the atmosphere on the decision day.
    A: We had a belief that if the decision is made in the first round, we win. Then, we really heard that the decision was made in the first round. We were soon in such a high mood. I was watching in the waiting room and tears flew at the news. Somebody suggested that we shouldn't be too sure and we just wait more calmly. We couldn't be relaxed to the final moment.
14. Q: You don't cry often, do you? But, you burst into tears all in the Vancouver Olympics, 2011 WC, and at the decision moment of PyeongChang. Some say you are recently more easily moved to tears.
    A: In fact, I cry often. When I was younger, I was really a crybaby. I used to practice crying. I also often cried watching TV drama and movies. But, (after I grew up) you don't have anything to cry at in official occasions. Well, I don't know, maybe am I coming back to a crybaby again, as I get older? hahaha.
15. Q: Including this presentation dress, everything you wear, cloths and earrings, are sold out….
    A: I just wear as I am advised to, but people take it as pretty. I am grateful. Personally, I prefer black color to loud colors. My closet is full of black.
16. Q. After Durban, some peoples call you ” queen in Durban ”, Which one do you like most among ” fairy , princess, queen ”?
    A. Hee hee hee, honestly I feel a tickle all over when I hear those words. Please call me just “yuna-sonsu”. (sonsu is a player in Korean)
    When I was younger I was called “fairy”, but now they call me “queen” or “goddess” because I'm older. I'm grateful at any rate.　(She hold her arms up and moving all her fingers) But… It's tickling.
17. Q. Medias reported that IOC members made a line to take a photo with you…
    A. Oh, that's exaggerated. We were in the position to sell Pyongchang, so we requested for a photo with them.
18. Q: What do you think your personality (character) is?
    A: Simple and Ignorant (單純無識).
    I am not easily stressed. Anything can hardly stress me. (Note: Her blood type is “O”). Easygoing style. And I sleep well under any circumstance…
    But, come to think of it, there was a period when I couldn't sleep. That was from about 2 weeks earlier than 2011 WC to competition day. It was strange and the first experience. So I thought, “Am I nervous now? Why am I so?”
    Q: Maybe because you were getting older (your character were changing).
    A: Is that so? Yes, maybe.
19. Q. What did you feel after World Championships?
    A. I made some mistakes but I was just happy it's over.
    Honestly it was hard (mentally) after the Olympics. I achieved my dream and it occurred to me that ” Why should I do it again.” I relatively got over well until several days before WC. But as the day nears I lost my grip and didn't want to talk and meet people. I thought I may suffer depression. It was really hard mentally. I barely competed in such a condition, so I couldn't be refreshed very much when it's over.
20. Q: Perhaps you felt sense of futility after achieving your goal.
    A: “Before the Olympics, my whole life was concentrated on it. After it was over, I really wanted to take a rest. However, they kept asking what would be my (next) goal and what would it be like my future career as a skater. All I wanted was to forget everything and take a rest…”
    “My character was not to have a long term vision, but, recently, I think I have to have it. Oneday, I asked myself. If I am asked what kind of (internally) person I want to be, what would be my answer? I realized I have practically no answer. My thought was, gosh I have lived so thoughtlessly. It seems that I face a crisis every year.”
    (suddenly almost to herself) “Perhaps, I've lived sufficiently long to know what life is, hahaha.”
21. Q: In that sense, Durban may have given you a big chance.
    A: It was one of the most important experience in my life. I will never forget I was there at the moment the name of PyeongChang was announced.
22. Q: I know you adjust pretty well to changes.
    A: More or less, yes. Staying overseas, I never miss Korean food. Ah, but, recently a bit strange. I used to hate strong food, but recently (In a foreign country) I miss Kimchi. Am I getting old? hohoho.
23. Q: You don't really eat even snacks?
    A: Oh, wrong story. Being an athlete, I have to eat well. Media prints exaggerated stories. I eat every necessary food including meat. When I was younger, there was a time I never gained weight no matter how much I eat. However, now I gain weight just as much as I eat.
24. Q: Do you think you are honest?
    A: (Thinking carefully for a minute) I don't like lies. You can say I am honest. Sometimes it is not good to be honest.
    Q: Sometimes, I guess, you become a victim of it.
    A: I just let it go.
25. Q. In the interview after you won the Jr. WC in March 2006, you were asked a question that ”( In the future) )Will you make your daughter try figure skating? ” and you said ” No”. 　 Do you still think same way
    A. At the time of puberty, I'd fought with my mother every single day. 　 Everyday was war. 　 We are both strong-minded women. 　 But I could concentrate only on my training thanks to her. 　 She knows about me ( and my skating) everything, so I can say she is my coach. 　 I suppose I can't same thing when I became a mother.
    And I definitely don't want my kids doing sports. 　 Sports is really hard, I wonder if I think this way because I'm athlete. 　I don't want because it really overuse your body. 　 But my trainer advises me on having many kids. 　 He says my body is ideal for doing sports, so have many kids and let them do sports. 　Come to think of it, many senior skater's kids are also doing skating. 　Is it destiny….
26. Q. Do you have a favorite athlete in other sports?
    A. To be honest, I don't have a spare room in my mind for being interested in other sports. My favorite athletes are in my field - figure skaters. I love Michelle Kwan. I like and feel easy more to watch mens skaters because ladies are competitors.
27. Q. What do you think about Mao?
    A. Many people draw a comparison between us, but I think she is a great figure skater. It's never easy to get a silver medal in Oly.
    [ Article Comment: The Olympic gold medalist who set a world record gave high praise for the silver medalist. It was a sympathy as a Fellow athlete who know how much you should shed your sweat for winning a medal. I once again recognized how hard it was to achieve what Yuna has done. ]
28. Q: In Durban, you were compared with Katarina Witt who is one of figure skating legends and was in charge of the Munich Olympic Bid committee.
    A: I saw her first time in the Vancouver Olympics. In Durban, since we were members of each team there was no chance of personal contact. For me, it was an honor even being at the same place with her.
29. Q: Your hobby is …
    A: I enjoy listening music. If I find I left my iPod at home, my reaction is OMG…
    I also like small talk. When I stayed in LA last Autumn, I spent most of my time talking with my trainer, mom and my agent (personal assistant) everyday and eventually I couldn't find any more subject to talk about with them. I wanted to talk but I couldn't find anyone new. Well, I was lonely.
30. Q. How much do you drink?
    A. I've drunk maximum 2 grasses of beer at a time, but I didn't know why people love that bitter drink. In the evening at Lausanne I drank a grass of wine on an empty stomach, then my vision was odd and felt like the ground shakes , also sleepy. Later I knew that you get those symptom when you're hungry and tired. I've often said that you look likely to drink alcohol very well though…
31. Q. I wonder if your older sister has a feeling of alienation a bit because you are very famous.　How many years is she older than you?
    A. she is 3 years older than me. She is a employee. Actually I've been feeling sorry for her because my mom has been taking care of me more than her since we were younger.
32. Q. Are you generous to her?
    A. I try to be so. I give her anything when she wants. I always say OK when she wants to use my clothes or etc….(Hahaha.)
33. Q: You appear in KIss & Cry….
    A: At first, I din't try to, because figure skating is not a popular sport and couldn't expect the program's success. However, there was an opinion that it will somehow contribute to popularizing the sport and I changed my mind. Then, the cast do it so well that I am impressed each time.
34. Q: Is Kim YuNa an entertainer a possibility?
    A: No way. I am not talented. Anyway, I am an athlete and an entertainer is a completely different profession.
    Q: But, in your commercial shooting scenes, I see lots of potential.
    A: In fact, I am not good at playing a beauty, but if the shooting takes long, many people (staffs) have a hard time and I get tired too. So, I do it very hard to finish it and go home quickly. And, it is the result of long time of rehearsals.
35. Q: There are suggestions, on this occasion, that says, “why don't you consider being a sports diplomat?”
    A: Since I am still young and an athlete, I can't see the far distant future. But, people around me advise working as a sports diplomat. In the scene, the sports diplomacy looked cool. However, I have to speak English fluently and be more prepared.
36. Q: Your plan is…
    A: First of all, I want to skate as long as possible. Shows too. Usually, men skate until around forty years old and women do until early thirties.
37. Q. I've heard that you are training everyday, Can't you take a single day off?
    A. These days, it seems like there is a mood I can take a day off if I want. (with laughter) 　By the way, recently I think I should read books more. I haven't read many books since I have no time.

Conclusion

1 and half hour-long interview was done.

She had a guardedness which we can often feel from a person who have been standing in the countless spotlight, but her tone of voice and expression were plain and honest. She said “I'm proud of Korea”, and it was different with the “patriotism” we've heard from past generations. It can be said that it's pure white, bright and casual patriotism without any scar or “Han (恨)*”. 　She enjoyed and did her best in the given situation rather than finding a meaning while she works for a big challenge - the campaign to host the Olympic. From her, I could see Korea's future made by brightly grown up young generation.

* Definition of Han

July 4, 2011 (Scan of article @ YNKF, transcription by beautyuna)

Opening Asia to the world

Yuna Kim PyeongChang 2018 Bid Ambassador, Vancouver 2010 Figure Skating Gold Medallist

I have never been to South Africa before. I remember finding it on a spinning globe many years ago when I was a child. But last year, I discovered this amazing nation. I watched the movie Invictus, based on the story of the 1995 Rugby World Cup in South Africa, and it moved my heart. It tells a story of how sport inspires hope for the future and helps a nation fulfill the dream.

Here again in South Africa, I, too, wish to see a dream come true.- PyeongChang's dream.

I wish to see PyeongChang win the right to host the 2018 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, connect winter sports with a young, dynamic and growing population, and help extend the reach of the Olympic ideal to millions.

Ten years ago, when PyeongChang's dream for the winter games was just beginning, I was a little girl skating at an ice rink in Seoul in pursuit of my own Olympic dream. Watching the winter games as a child enlightened my spirit and gave me the motivation to work hard every day.

Michelle Kwan's silver medal performance at the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics was electrifying. It was like nothing I'd ever seen before. From that day on, I practiced relentlessly, watching her videos and mimicking her moves until I could memorize her every step.

In 2003, after six years of dedicated practice, I was chosen to represent my country. I was the youngest figure skater ever to be selected. I had fallen a thousand times on to the cold ice to perfect jumps that lasted a few seconds.

But the hard work and intense training paid off. I achieved the “grandslam”-becoming the champion of all four major figure skating events: the Grand Prix Final, the Four Continents Championships, the World Championships and the 2010 Winter Olympics.

Now, I have a different Olympic dream- the dream to see the Winter Olympics held in my home country, Korea.

The world has celebrated the Winter Olympics 21 times, but only twice in Asia - and both times in Japan.

I wish for the 2018 Winter Olympics to come to PyeongChang because we believe we can help promote the Olympic values and winter sport to a new generation in a region of the world historically under developed in winter sport.

We can create a new market for winter sports in Asia, home to 60 percent of the world's population, which will drive greater winter sports participation and offer incredible opportunities for winter sports to grow and thrive.

About 1.5 million people from overseas countries came to Korea last year to enjoy our winter sports facilities and spectacular scenery. A Winter Olympics in Korea will inspire young people, and act as a catalyst for further growth and improvement in the region. We aim to offer the Olympic movement and the world of winter sports a legacy of growth and potential like never before.

PyeonChang's bid is also a national priority and we have amazing public support 92 percent of Korean want to see the Winter Olympics in PyeongChang.

Through the international Dream Programme, PyeongChang has kept its promise to the IOC to help expend interest and participation in winter sports among young people across the world.

Since 2004, this programme has provided 935 children from 57 countries the opportunity to experience winter sports for the first time. At least 200 of those children came from the African nations, and it made me so proud to see one of those participants become an Olympic athlete at the Vancouver Winter Olympics last year.

Now, the host city decision for the 2018 games is only a few days away. I wish in earnest that PyeongChang's dream of hosting the Winter Olympics may be ——- in Durnan, South Africa the land of dreams and miracles.

Translation by Nadia (YNKF Post #1, YNKF Post #2)

Source, April 27, 2011

1. If you have time to travel, where do you want to go? What's the most memorable place?

Paris. I've been there a few times for competition, and it was beautiful. But I didn't have the time to look around, so it was always regretful. If I have an opportunity, I want to stay there for a while and see many places in Paris.

2. Your greatest rebellion? (esp. b/c it’s so hard to be what you are, given that you’re a solo athlete & received so much attention from very young age)

I’ve never rebelled due to overwhelming attention. I did rebel against Mom during my teenage years because I was very sensitive. Mom punished me by making me run 100 times around the rink, and I didn’t want to say sorry, so I did it. I wonder why I did that from time to time.

3. Tell us 1 funny thing that happened during ice show.

It’s hard to communicate w/ many foreign athletes. So we have to use gestures to communicate, and it’s pretty funny. And it gives us a chance to bond.

4. You had many difficulties. What was the hardest? How did you overcome?

The toughest thing was the inability to find the right skate boots. Without good skate boots, it’s very hard to practice, and you can get injured, etc. But I realized that my desire to continue skating is greater than the hardship. So I was able to find the boots I like eventually.

5. My birth dream was apple. What was yours?

I asked Mom some time ago, but she said she couldn’t remember. Maybe there wasn’t any. I was a bit forlorn at that time, but now I don’t care. I’m satisfied that I’m doing what I want regardless of my birth dream.

6. What’s your favorite nickname / title out of the following: figure queen; Olympic champion; happy skater; elegant skater; angel of donation / giving?

I’m flattered and embarrassed that many gave me such grand titles / nicknames. I love them all, but if I must pick one, it’s Olympic Champion. It was my dream, so it has a lot of meaning for me.

7. What was the most important cheering message when you were tired to the point of wanting to give up?

I tell myself, “It’s all for yourself.” Reminding myself that I’m doing what I love gives me courage to overcome difficulties.

8. What Hyundai car do you want to drive with your future husband / family?

Genesis. I like the design.

9. When you come closer to the audience while you skate, it feels like you’re looking at ME, so I end up smiling like crazy. What goes through your mind when you look at the audience?

To be honest, it’s hard for me to see what’s around me when I’m concentrating on my own performance. It is especially the case when there are many bright lights. But when I hear people’s applause, I know I’m reaching people with my performance and that people are watching, so I feel happy. Thank you for rooting for me.

10. Is there a rule that says you have to wear your costume when you get on the podium? If not, have you thought about wearing hanbok (Korean traditional dress) before stepping on the podium?

What a great idea! Alas, yes, it is a rule that we have to wear our costume for the medal ceremony. If I were to wear hanbok, the design should be changed because I have to skate to the podium.

11. Do you monitor fan comments, etc.? I’m curious if you see what people say about you on the Internet.

I don’t have much time to go online after my training, so I don’t really see that many fan comments. But when I see many fans saying nice things about me or cheering me on, I feel so grateful, and it gives strength.

12. What’s the thing that made you recently?

Peter sometimes does my moves during our training, and I sometimes laugh because he looks funny. It’s one of the things that give me joy / fun during hard training.

Translation by SquallB (YNKF)

Source, March 20, 2011

Note: The fate of Worlds was currently unknown at the time of this interview, with the head of the ISU indicating that Worlds might even take place in October in Japan. The possibility of Russia hosting it in April had not yet been raised. Thus Yu-Na chose to return to South Korea and help support the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympics bid and prepare for her May ice show, All That Skate Spring. Once Worlds was re-scheduled for April in Russia, Yu-Na chose to go to Worlds.

Q: Your feeling on returning to Korea?

Yuna: It's been eight months, so I am little nervous. In LA, I was preparing very hard for the World Championships. It's disappointing not to have the Championship and return to Korea as I really prepared hard for it, but at this point, my bigger wish is that there is no further harm in Japan.

Q: How did you prepare for the Championship?

Yuna: This season being a post-Olympic year and also training in a new environment with a new coach, mentally, it was tough. Actually, it was more difficult than any other time. But as each month passed, my physical condition and program completeness got better and better, and the preparations went so well that I thought my condition could be as good as in the Olympics.

Q: Can we see you skate next season?

Yuna: As the status of the World Championships has not been resolved, I think it's too early talk about next season.

Q: When do you think the World Championships should be held?

Yuna: Every skater was optimizing her condition to peak in late March. With a change in schedule, there is bound to be some effect, and psychologically, it is draining. Whether it is held in May or in October, it may be difficult for skaters to once again train to achieve perfect condition.

Q: Wouldn't it be harder for you to prepare for the Worlds now, given your role in the Pyeongchang Olympic bid?

Yuna: Until the ISU makes its decision, I can't really do anything. But for now, I think I will need to concentrate on my role in the Pyoengchang Olympic Bid Committee.

Q: Will you show your new short program “Giselle” in the upcoming ice show?

Yuna: It's disappointing that I couldn't introduce it at the Worlds. But with the ice show coming in a month, I can't change it now, and I decided to go ahead and perform it.

Q: Will you perform a new gala at the ice show as well?

Yuna: A new gala program was completed around January-February. I will perform it at the ice show.

Q: Will you be training for the rest of the period without Coach Oppegard?

Yuna: I think I can train alone. Usually, after coming back to Korea after the end of each season, I trained alone.

Q: As the Public Ambassador for Pyeongchang Olympic Bid, what will you be doing?

Yuna: I will be in London in April for the international convention, then in Switzerland in May for the Rosan meeting. In July, I will participate in the IOC meeting in South Africa.

Q: So you will not show your new long program this time?

Yuna: I can't perform the full long program, but I hope to perform a modified version of it during a show in the near future.

Q: Any words to the fans?

Yuna: I am sorry not being able to compete after so much expectation. I am disappointed that I cannot show the result of my preparation. But the situation in Japan is really difficult now, and it is not right to think about the competition first. I pray and hope that people in Japan do not suffer any more harm.

Yuna: Since I couldn't perform at the Worlds, I will work twice as hard for the May ice show, and show my best at the ice show.