ENHYPEN’s SUNGHOON―who once competed as a national figure skater―served as a torchbearer for the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, bridging sports and K-pop while spotlighting the spirit of “solidarity.”
From Feb. 5 to 9 (local time) in Milan, SUNGHOON carried the Olympic torch and took on a full schedule as an ambassador for the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee (KSOC), from the Opening Ceremony to cheering on national teams. Throughout, he focused on sharing the Olympic spirit and Team Korea’s passion with the world.
Through his label Belift Lab, SUNGHOON said, “I never imagined I’d stand at the Olympics again in a different role from my childhood dream. Running the torch relay and watching the competitions brought back the passion and memories from my skating days. It was a precious experience I’ll remember for the rest of my life.”
SUNGHOON’s five-day run at the Winter Games was packed. On Feb. 5, he completed his torch run amid a massive crowd, drawing major buzz. The next day (Feb. 6), he walked the Opening Ceremony red carpet as the only Korean officially invited by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). He also visited Korea House and Samsung House, doubling as a “cultural diplomat” to showcase Korean culture and technology.
On Feb. 7 and 9, he attended the figure skating team short program and the women’s 1000m speed skating final, boosting Team Korea with his support. When word spread locally that he was watching figure skating in person, the IOC immediately reached out. SUNGHOON said yes―and surprised fans by joining the pre-event countdown segment, turning up the hype even more.
Media at home and abroad took notice. On Feb. 5 and 8, SUNGHOON held two interview sessions at Korea House and the Main Press Centre (MPC). Reporters from major Korean outlets and international media, including from Italy and Greece, crowded in―underscoring the status of a “global top-tier group.”
The KSOC shared, “As a former figure skater and a K-pop artist representing the nation, SUNGHOON has much in common with Team Korea’s national athletes. Partnering with an ambassador of such symbolic meaning made this journey even more special.” They added, “From joining the ‘SHOUT OUT’ challenge to participating in various Olympic-related content, he led the way in promotions, and we’re deeply grateful. We hope our athletes can perform well at this Games, powered by that support.”
What SUNGHOON showed at the Winter Games went beyond individual activity. It embodied ENHYPEN’s core value of “connection.” Moving between past and present―and between sports and music―his path converged at the Olympics. It was a clear reflection of the group’s identity to connect the world as one.
ENHYPEN’s goal aligns with the Olympic spirit of unity through connection. At the Opening Ceremony, IOC member Kirsty Coventry emphasized, “While the world’s athletes compete fiercely, by encouraging one another they remind us that we are all connected.” The power of connection that the team has pursued resonated on the Olympic stage, proving its value in a big way.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)