On Oct. 2, South Korean skater Jung Cheol-won and his team faced an unfortunate defeat in the 2023 Asian Games. Taking place in Hangzhou, China, the quadrennial event carries significant importance, particularly for athletes from South Korea. Winning a gold medal grants a South Korean athlete an exemption from the country’s compulsory 18-month military service.

Participating in the men’s 3,000-meter relay race final at Qintang Roller Sports Centre, Jung acted as the anchor for his teammates, Choi In-ho and Choi Gwang-ho. As Jung approached the finish line, he was confident that his victory was secured. Jung threw up his arms as a celebratory gesture, unaware that Huang Yu-Lin, representing Chinese Taipei, was right next to Jung, stretching out his leg to cross the finish line.

As a result, Taiwan placed first with a time of 4:05.692; South Korea came in second place with a time of 4:05.702. Huang had beaten Jung by precisely 0.01 seconds, costing South Korea the gold medal and military exemption. 

“I feel bad for the South Korean rollerskating team as they lost by such a close margin,” Joshua Han (9), said. “I think all South Koreans were devasted by the loss.”

After the race, Jung voiced his deep regret for his premature celebration and profusely apologized to the fans, and especially to his teammates. 

“I can’t imagine the burden of the loss he is feeling right now, and it is very sad that he got his hopes up,” Stella Eu (10), said. “I wouldn’t necessarily blame him, but I feel terrible for his teammates.