Meet 'Smiley' Kim Yoon-ji: The Paralympic Champion Making History with Her Infectious Positivity

In a groundbreaking achievement for South Korean sports, 'Smiley' Kim Yoon-ji has made history by becoming the first athlete to win five gold medals in a single event at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Paralympics. Her vibrant and joyful daily life will be showcased on the upcoming episode of MBC's variety show 'The Manager' (Episode 395), airing on the 25th.

Kim Yoon-ji, a member of the national Nordic skiing team, was born with a spinal disability (spina bifida). She began swimming at the age of three as part of her rehabilitation and quickly demonstrated exceptional talent, eventually becoming a prominent figure in disabled sports. Not only did she achieve a historic five gold medals in Nordic skiing at the Winter Paralympics, but she also excelled in swimming, earning the MVP title at the National Sports Festival, dominating both winter and summer sports. Her living room, filled with medals and trophies, is a testament to her unparalleled skill. Additionally, she was named the MVP of the Korean Paralympic team and gifted the car she received as a prize to her mother, astonishing the studio commentators.

The episode will capture Kim Yoon-ji's morning routine, where she never loses her smile, true to her nickname 'Smiley.' From preparing to go out to singing along to songs in the car on her way to training, her bright and adorable energy is infectious even in the early hours.

Following the Paralympics, Kim Yoon-ji visits the Icheon Training Center of the Korea Paralympic Committee to assess her physical condition. In the state-of-the-art sports science lab, she undergoes a rigorous fitness test. Despite the intense testing and training, she maintains her positive energy, impressing the coaching staff. After competing in six grueling events over ten days at the Winter Paralympics, viewers are eager to learn about her current physical condition.

Kim Yoon-ji's limitless challenges and smile-filled life, which have paved a new path for Korean disabled sports, can be witnessed on 'The Manager' airing at 11:10 PM.

By Tae Yuna, TenAsia Reporter youyou@tenasia.co.kr