On March 20, 2026, President Lee Jae-myung and First Lady Kim Hye-kyung welcomed South Korea’s 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Paralympic athletes to the Blue House for a luncheon. The event was organized to recognize the athletes’ dedication and the inspiration they provided to the nation through their performances. All members of the national team who participated in the games attended, underscoring the significance of their collective achievements. The luncheon also served as a platform to express gratitude to coaches, support staff, and officials who contributed to the athletes’ success.
Notable attendees included Kim Yoon-ji, who set a record for the most individual medals at a single Olympic or Paralympic event, and Lee Je-hyeok, the first South Korean to win a snowboarding medal at the Winter Paralympics. Baek Hye-jin and Lee Yong-seok were recognized for earning a wheelchair curling medal after a 16-year gap, while Choi Sa-ra was commended for completing all five alpine skiing events despite a knee injury. Park Chae-yi, the first South Korean woman to compete in the alpine skiing sitting category, also attended, highlighting the diverse representation and resilience of the team.
During the luncheon, athletes and coaches shared their experiences and voiced policy recommendations. Park Chae-yi discussed challenges related to budget constraints and called for improved training environments and infrastructure for disabled athletes. Kim Dong-hwan, President of the Korea Disabled Ski Association, emphasized the need for better compensation for guides, wax technicians, and trainers supporting visually impaired athletes. Additional suggestions included establishing company-sponsored teams for job security and addressing issues related to overseas training and medical support.
Frequently asked questions included how the government plans to address the infrastructure and support needs raised by athletes, and what steps will be taken to improve conditions for disabled sports participants. The event concluded with a Western-style meal, symbolic desserts, and commemorative gifts from the athletes to the President and First Lady. The atmosphere was further elevated by performances from Oh My Girl and singer Huh Gak, followed by a group photo session. These actions reflect the government’s ongoing commitment to recognizing and supporting disabled athletes in South Korea.
The Blue House luncheon for the 2026 Winter Paralympic athletes reflects a meaningful step by the South Korean government to both honor athletic achievements and address systemic issues in disabled sports. The event’s open dialogue allowed athletes and officials to directly communicate their challenges and policy needs, such as infrastructure improvements and better support for staff. The government’s recognition of these concerns, combined with public celebration, sets a positive precedent for future policy development. Ongoing attention to these recommendations will be essential for sustainable progress in supporting disabled athletes.