2011 Interviews Transcript

Date: April 1, 2011
Translated by Feverskating
Source: Dong-A Ilbo

Who will be the ones who will light up Korea in the next ten years? Dong-A Ilbo, will try to satisfy this curiosity. We selected 100 people who challenge themselves, who put things into action, who are creative, and those who will open up the future. This is our second Dong-A 100 selection, the first being in 2010. If you click on the pictures you will be able to see each person’s vision of themselves 10 years later, their heroes, and how they nurtured their principles.
[Note: Dong-A Ilbo is one of the three major Korean newspapers.]
Creative Souls (Culture/Arts/Sports)
In the age of culture we need to think out of the box.
The new era is for those who are unreserved in the way they think and for those who seek out ‘the road not taken’.

Yuna Kim
(Born 1990)
Figure Skater

Reason for recommendation
Yuna Kim lived up to her reputation as the ‘Figure Queen’ by winning the gold medal and the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics at the age of 20. It was not only her innate talent but also her extreme hard work that sat her on the empress’s throne. Her diligence in steadily climbing each step to her dreams ever since her first international win at the Triglav Trophy in 2002, was highly appraised. Many predict that she will continue to elevate Korea even after she retires, regardless of what field she decides to pursue.

Me and my field 10 years later
I think in 10 years time there will be more ice rinks in Korea and there will be a better training environment for figure skaters. Korean figure skating has developed and has a lot of potential but reality is that it lacks infrastructure when compared with other countries. I hope that 10 years from now there will be training facilities for athletes; where it is warm so that skaters will not have to suffer as many injuries, and won’t have to be stressed out about ice time. And as a result of this, skating skills will be enhanced to a surprising level. I think I’ll still be skating on the ice 10 years from now. I want to communicate with many more people through figure skating and performances.

My role model
When I was little, my idol was figure skater Michelle Kwan. Her performance at the 1996 [sic] Nagano Winter Olympics inspired me. I watched Michelle’s performance hundreds of times and I would imitate her expressions and sometimes try out my own versions. I was deeply impressed by her incredible talent and her devotion for figure skating. I always admired the way she would captivate the audience with her charismatic performances, and how seriously she took figure skating. I also respect Michelle for her devotion and hard work in another field, walking toward a new chapter in her life after her skating career.

The things I’ve learned, the things I wish to learn
I’ve always been taught that the basics were important. Jumps are an important element of figure skating. In order to execute passionate choreography while doing beautiful jumps, it is very important that you have good basics. Although it’s been 12 years since I’ve started skating, I always do my on-ice training in the same order and method. If you underestimate the importance of practicing the basics because it’s too easy or because you’re just sick and tired of them, your beautiful jumps will disappear and you’ll be left with a mess. I think the easiest, yet at the same time most difficult, thing is adhering to the fundamentals.

Defining moment in my life
During the last 12 years as an athlete I suffered from endless injuries. Falling on the ice thousands of times, and ankles becoming crooked because of the hard boots gradually lead to injuries. There were serious injuries that could have stopped me from skating but at each crucial moment there was something that helped me battle through it – My strong will to achieve my dreams, and my love for figure skating. Everyone has their own goal or dream. But there aren’t that many people who have that strong will and endless perseverance to make that dream come true. I think that the only way you can make your dreams become reality is to have determination, faith, tenacity, and to work hard.

The rock that holds you steady during times of despair
“Myself, because I’m skating for myself” There always comes a moment when you become mentally drained. Even if you are physically prepared you cannot do a successful triple jump if you are not mentally prepared – that is figure skating. When I find myself mentally drained I ask myself ‘Who am I skating for?’ The answer is always the same ‘Myself! I think that when you know what you truly want, that helps you endure all the hardships and adversities. This helps you to keep yourself steady and continue on the path that leads to your dreams.

Things that I’ll never do
If there is one thing that I wish from myself is to always be “humble”. During the 12 years as an athlete, I’ve lead a pretty successful life as a figure skater. My goal is to never forget to be humble so that I will not lose all the things I’ve achieved after all that hard work for a mistake made in a spilt of a second. I will strive to never become a person who is always greedy to have more than what they already have.

Press Conference on arrival in Korea
(Note: The World Championships had been postponed but not yet rescheduled)
Date: March 20, 2011
Translated by SquallB at YNKF

Q: Your feeling on returning to Korea?

Yuna: It's been eight months, so I am little nervous. In LA, I was preparing very hard for the World Championships. It's disappointing not to have the Championship and return to Korea as I really prepared hard for it, but at this point, my bigger wish is that there is no further harm in Japan.

Q: How did you prepare for the Championship?

Yuna: This season being a post-Olympic year and also training in a new environment with a new coach, mentally, it was tough. Actually, it was more difficult than any other time. But as each month passed, my physical condition and program completeness got better and better, and the preparations went so well that I thought my condition could be as good as in the Olympics.

Q: Can we see you skate next season?

Yuna: As the status of the World Championships has not been resolved, I think it's too early talk about next season.

Q: When do you think the World Championships should be held?

Yuna: Every skater was optimizing her condition to peak in late March. With a change in schedule, there is bound to be some effect, and psychologically, it is draining. Whether it is held in May or in October, it may be difficult for skaters to once again train to achieve perfect condition.

Q: Wouldn't it be harder for you to prepare for the Worlds now, given your role in the Pyeongchang Olympic bid?

Yuna: Until the ISU makes its decision, I can't really do anything. But for now, I think I will need to concentrate on my role in the Pyoengchang Olympic Bid Committee.

Q: Will you show your new short program “Giselle” in the upcoming ice show?

Yuna: It's disappointing that I couldn't introduce it at the Worlds. But with the ice show coming in a month, I can't change it now, and I decided to go ahead and perform it.

Q: Will you perform a new gala at the ice show as well?

Yuna: A new gala program was completed around January-February. I will perform it at the ice show.

Q: Will you be training for the rest of the period without Coach Oppegard?

Yuna: I think I can train alone. Usually, after coming back to Korea after the end of each season, I trained alone.

Q: As the Public Ambassador for Pyeongchang Olympic Bid, what will you be doing?

Yuna: I will be in London in April for the international convention, then in Switzerland in May for the Rosan meeting. In July, I will participate in the IOC meeting in South Africa.

Q: So you will not show your new long program this time?

Yuna: I can't perform the full long program, but I hope to perform a modified version of it during a show in the near future.

Q: Any words to the fans?

Yuna: I am sorry not being able to compete after so much expectation. I am disappointed that I cannot show the result of my preparation. But the situation in Japan is really difficult now, and it is not right to think about the competition first. I pray and hope that people in Japan do not suffer any more harm.

Yuna: Since I couldn't perform at the Worlds, I will work twice as hard for the May ice show, and show my best at the ice show.

Source: Universal Sports
Article: L.A. weather is great, but Kim ready for spring in Tokyo
Author: Alexa Ainsworth
Date: February 11, 2011

After a year away, Olympic champion Yuna Kim is ready to return to competition ice in March at Worlds in Tokyo. Universalsports.com caught up with the new California girl to talk L.A., coaches, and goals.

One year ago, with the pressure of an entire nation on its “Queen,” South Korea's Yuna Kim realized the ultimate goal in figure skating. She became Olympic champion by skating two perfect performances. Many expected her to ride off into the history books, but not Kim.

Since Vancouver she has moved from Toronto to Los Angeles, changed coaches, and is now preparing to return to competition at the World Championships in March. UniversalSports.com caught up with the 20-year-old to see how she feels about competing for the first time in a year and about living in Hollywood.

When did it finally set in that you are Olympic champion?

It finally dawned on me that I realized my longtime dream of becoming an Olympic champion during the medal ceremony, when I got on the podium to receive gold medal. It was an emotional moment for me.

What was the most exciting opportunity you were given since winning the Olympic gold medal?

After the Olympics, I became the UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and took part in the UN International Day of Peace ceremony. I feel honored to be involved with UNICEF and I'm proud I can play a small role in raising awareness in its causes.

Last September, I got a wonderful birthday present from my Korean fans; a donation under my name to UNICEF. I was so surprised, yet happy at the same time that my involvement can inspire people to start thinking about what makes a difference. Also, I got to meet some great female athletes at the Annual Gala of Women's Sports Foundation.

How difficult was the summer? You moved, changed coaches, and had to find motivation to train again after winning the sport's biggest prize…

Things were tough for a while, but I didn't have any issues adjusting to a new training environment and coach. In a way, it helped motivate me to move forward and look ahead.

What do you enjoy most about your new coach and training center?

Peter [Oppegard] is the kind of coach that pushes you hard during training but always encourages with positive words. We get along great. There are many good skaters training here in Artesia and they've been a wonderful source of energy.

How do you like Los Angeles - are you recognized a lot? Have you visited the beaches?

The great thing about L.A. is the weather. I've been to several beaches - Newport Beach, Santa Monica and Malibu. I am enjoying living in L.A. I get recognized a lot, especially by the Koreans and they are so nice. Their support and interest mean a lot to me.

You did not participate in the Grand Prix Series. What was it like to have this time to train and not compete for the first time in many years?

I was so focused on the Olympics during the entire season and I just needed to take some time off post-Olympic. I think I made the right decision skipping the Grand Prix series as it gave me more time to prepare for the World Championship. It's given me a chance to refocus and check my programs in more detail.

When did your training begin to pick up again after doing shows this summer and fall? When did you start to feel ready for Worlds?

I really started focusing on training for the new season in October, right after the All That Skate LA show when I started training with Peter Oppegard. I felt I was ready for the Worlds last month.

Are you trying any new elements this season?

There won't be any surprises. My technical elements will not be very different from last year. I'm focused on perfecting the artistic movements and expressions of the characters in my programs. I want to be able to tell a story to the audience.

What aspects of your skating have you been working to improve?

As my preparation for the season started later this year, my goal has been to get back into the same top physical condition as pre-Olympics.

Are you nervous to compete again?

Yes, I am little bit nervous but excited at the same time.

What are you goals for Worlds?

I want to show everything that I prepared for the Worlds and breathe with the audience. The result will come along with that.

What are you looking forward to at Worlds?

It's been a year since my last competition and I look forward to returning to the ice. I can't wait to present my new programs to the audience and fans.

Source: Dong-A News
Article: 'Return of the Queen'
Date: January 27, 2011
Translated by SquallB at YNKF

Kim Yu-Na, who is training at East West Palace Ice Rink in Los Angeles to prepare for next month's World Championship in Tokyo, conducted an interview with the media for the first time this year, and talked about her new programs and training.

Q: How is your preparation for the World Championship going? Are the programs complete?

YNK: I have been slowly raising my condition through physical training and refining my new programs. There is still sufficient time, so I expect to be completely ready.

Q: It will be your first international competition in a while, and some have voiced concerns over how you will adjust to actual competition. What have you focused on the most in your training?

YNK: I have been focusing on physical training and perfecting the programs. As for not being in actual competition, I feel the same level of nervousness doing ice shows, as I have to perform in front of big crowds. So in terms of being in the competition mode, I am not too worried. Hopefully the result will be good as long as I prepare my best.

Q: Tell us about your daily routine.

YNK: I go to the ice rink in the morning, and after warm-up, have training sessions on ice. After skating, I spend about two hours doing physical training. In the afternoon, I have massage and physical therapy. For the rest of day, I take rest. I also study English three times a week.

Q: How are you getting along with Peter Oppegard? In what specific ways has he helped you?

YNK: It's been over 3 months since I began training with Coach Oppegard. We get along very well, and because there are many peer skaters training together, the atmosphere is very good. Coach Oppegard's training style is very rigorous, but at the same time, he makes great effort to compliment you to help your self-confidence. He conducts very demanding practice sessions, but also never ceases to encourage the skaters. Training can be hard sometimes, but overall, we have a lot of fun with other skaters.

Q: How about your relationship with David Wilson?

YNK: I can't see David as often as in the past, but we chat frequently over telephone and e-mail.

Q: Your free skating program is “Homage to Korea”. Tell us about how this selection was made and what is your impression after actually performing it?

YNK: “Homage to Korea” is a compilation of traditional Korean music. The music is Korean, but the artistry is modern, and the difficulty lies in applying it to skating. Rather than performing certain acts that feel Korean, I am focusing on expressing my emotions to the audience.

Q: How was Giselle selected as your short program? Was there any particular episode that led to this?

YNK: No special episode. David Wilson told me that he had this bright idea, and I listened to the music. When I heard it, I liked it so much, I instantly made the decision. I want to express the diverse lines of emotion contained in the music.

Q: Can you tell us more about the components for your short and long programs?

YNK: Technically, there is no big difference from last season. I am focusing on portraying the characters in the programs.

Q: What meaning does this year's World Championship have for you?

YNK: Since I have achieved all that I want to achieve as an athlete, I am not concerned about the result. I am just nervous and excited about performing new programs before the fans. I just hope I can interact well with the audience by portraying the characters well. “Homage to Korea” is very special to me, as it embodies my gratitude to Korean fans who have supported me up to now. I hope many people will like it.

Q: How often do you meet with Michelle Kwan, and receive advice?

YNK: Michelle is studying in Boston, so I don't get to see her often. She comes back to Los Angeles during holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas, and when she does, we meet and chat about daily lives, and also skate together.

Q: Did you see Asada Mao's performances this season? What do you think about her sub-par season?

YNK: Post-olympic season is always psychologically difficult for skaters. I think all skaters are going through such time right now.

(One missing question: translated by finesand, source)

Q: You're competing with Mao again. We assume that such competition will be always a burden on you. What do you think of it?

A: As always (As I was satisfied when I showed all that I had prepared), I'll be satisfied in WC if I show all that I prepared. And (if I am satisfied in WC) I believe that the consequence will surely be good.

Q: What is you plan after the World Championship?

YNK: I am just focusing on the World Championship at the moment. Afterwards, I will do an ice show in Korea.

Q: Lot of junior skaters are improving. Is there any particular junior skater that has caught your eyes, and if so, why?

YNK: I have my eyes on Haejin Kim. Despite being young, she is technically very strong. I saw her recent performance through the internet, and her body expressions are very good. I think she is a talented skater who possess both strong technical and artistic abilities.

Q: Where will you be 10 years from now?

YNK: I will be still skating.