Yuna Kim, "If it doesn't work, keep going until it does"... The grit that rose above injuries and slumps

Figure skater Yuna Kim shared through past interviews the process of how she overcame injuries and slumps, as well as her unique attitude toward training. The 2007 'Straightforward Interview' and 2009 'Yuna Kim Special' videos released on KBS contain the honest feelings and training philosophy of Yuna Kim when she was a teenager at the time.

"If it doesn't work, keep going until it does"... Grit forged while fighting injuries

In the video, Yuna Kim stated that when defining herself, she has a "personality to keep going until it works if it doesn't." Mentioning the physical pain and psychological pressure experienced during the practice process, she showed a side of herself that becomes so immersed that she gets angry at herself when a movement does not go as intended. In particular, recalling that this season was the hardest, she honestly confessed to moments when she felt fear about continuing her athletic career due to skate boot issues and continuous injuries.

Yuna Kim also mentioned the physical changes she experienced while continuing her sport for 12 years. Due to the nature of the sport, which involves rotating in only one direction, internal body issues and injuries persisted, and she revealed that this caused physical deformities in her legs (ankles, knees, etc.). Despite these physical difficulties, she showed a fatalistic attitude toward the sport, expressing that she was "destined to do figure skating."

An attitude toward perfection rather than competition and philosophy as an athlete

Regarding comparisons with rival athletes, she maintained a calm attitude. Concerning the competition with Mao Asada, she revealed her values by stating, "I don't do figure skating to beat Mao," emphasizing that it is more important to pursue perfection in what one does rather than beating someone else. Regarding rankings, she showed understanding for the position of athletes who may experience slumps, saying, "It might be important, but not all athletes can be first."

Furthermore, she mentioned her mindset regarding falling during a competition. She emphasized that while there are moments immediately after a mistake when the mind is struggling and one does not want to get back up, one must forget it as quickly as possible and perform the next program well. While giving an honest answer that it is difficult to recommend the sport to juniors starting figure skating based on the hardships of the sport, she added advice to not give up if they enjoy it and have talent, but to see it through to the end.

Vision after retirement and continuous interest in figure skating

Regarding future activities, she expressed her will to continue walking a path related to figure skating. She presented a specific vision of wanting to perform in world tour shows as a professional athlete or to work as a coach teaching young athletes after retirement. This is interpreted as a will to carry on the artistry and technique of the sport of figure skating beyond being a simple athlete.