Who is Kim Ye-Ji? Everything To Know About the Viral 2024 Paris Olympics Star
GQ magazine called Kim the first “breakout style star” of the 2024 Olympics.
In the opening week of the 2024 Olympics in Paris, fans have already been captivated by remarkable performances. Hong Kong fencer Vivian Kong claimed the prestigious gold medal, while American gymnast Simone Biles dazzled with an energetic routine to Taylor Swift's music, catching the eyes of Serena Williams and Nicole Kidman. French diver Jules Bouyer also sparked much discussion with her striking competition outfit.
Currently, the Olympic spotlight is on South Korean athlete Kim Ye-ji. This female shooter, known for her participation in the 10-meter air pistol event, has impressed many with her icy demeanor and precision, reminiscent of an "assassin" from an action movie. Her previous participation in the 25-meter pistol event at the ISSF World Cup garnered significant public attention, with even major companies like Tesla and SpaceX, founded by Elon Musk, praising her appeal on social media.
Kim Ye-ji's Achievements at the 2024 Paris Olympics
At the 2024 Paris Olympics, South Korean shooter Kim Ye-ji has captivated global audiences with her exceptional marksmanship. Competing in the women’s 10-meter air pistol event, this 1.57-meter tall athlete demonstrated remarkable composure and precision, securing the silver medal with 241.3 points, just behind 19-year-old shooting star Oh Ye-Jin, who scored 243.2 points.
A video of Kim in the ISSF 25-meter pistol competition in May also reignited interest. In the footage, she donned an all-black outfit and a backwards baseball cap, evoking scenes from action films about cold-blooded assassins.
Impressive Fashion
Kim's sportswear has also garnered attention. She sported a Fila tracksuit and a North Face cap, both adorned with the Korean flag. Her Sauer Easy Top pistol shoes have become a coveted item among sneaker enthusiasts.
Kim’s monochrome style is reminiscent of the "health goth" aesthetic, a mid-2010s trend that fused athleisure with a music-based subculture, blending sporty styles from brands like Adidas and Nike with the dark tones of high-end labels such as Rick Owens and Nasir Mazhar. The term “health goth” was coined by musician Mike Grabarek in 2013, eventually spawning Facebook groups, Tumblr memes, and even a fitness class with its own satirical products.
Brand Associations
The North Face is the official partner of the Korean Sport and Olympic Committee at the 2024 Paris Olympics, providing windbreakers, sweatshirts, and custom accessories for Team Korea athletes. Fila, a South Korean-owned brand with Italian roots, has also outfitted her teammate Oh Ye Jin, though it remains unclear if they sponsor Kim Ye-ji. Nonetheless, Fila’s uniforms have added to the visibility of Korean athletes, including India's Manu Bhaker, who secured bronze in the 10-meter air pistol event.
Keeps A Low-Profile
Beyond her shooting prowess, little is publicly known about Kim Ye-ji. Born in Danyang, South Korea, she enjoys watching movies and is a mother to a daughter. Since starting her shooting career, Kim has undergone rigorous training and has represented Korea in numerous international competitions, achieving remarkable results. This year, she won a bronze medal in the individual event and a gold medal in the team event at the World Junior Championships in Munich, Germany. Her crowning achievement came in May when she set a new world record in the women’s 25-meter pistol event at the ISSF World Cup.
At the 2024 Paris Olympics, Kim Ye-ji is often seen with a cute elephant doll, a gift from her daughter that serves as her lucky mascot. This endearing detail further endears her to the public, showcasing her gentle nature despite her competitive edge.
