Figure Skater Cha Junhwan Announces Temporary Break from Competition... Expected to Focus on Entertainment Activities

Cha Junhwan, the leading figure in men's singles figure skating, is temporarily suspending his athletic career. He is expected to focus on popular culture activities for the time being.

On October 12, Cha said on social media, "After the last season ended, I spent a great deal of time thinking about and reflecting on my future activities. After much consideration, I have decided not to continue competing for the national team or participating in competitions this season." He added, "My contract with Seoul City Hall has also come to an end after thorough discussions with the Seoul Metropolitan Government. I sincerely thank the city government and Seoul City Hall officials for believing in me and supporting me wholeheartedly."

Cha Junhwan on social media

He added, "I will do my best with the work currently before me while carefully considering what path to take from here. I sincerely thank everyone who has always supported and encouraged me. I will greet you again with good news."

Cha had been invited to the Cup of China, the third event, and the NHK Trophy, the sixth event, in the 2026-2027 International Skating Union (ISU) Grand Prix series, but is expected to withdraw from both following his decision.

Cha is said to have been considering whether to continue his athletic career after placing fourth at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. Recently, he also stepped down from the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee's Athletes' Commission for personal reasons.

In April, he signed an exclusive contract with Fantagio, an entertainment agency. In August, he took on the lead role in the ice show "Solo Leveling on ICE," expanding his activities into popular culture.

Cha, who began his career as a child actor, came to prominence while attending Whimoon Middle School and emerged as the leading figure in Korean men's singles figure skating. At the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics, he placed 15th, then the best-ever Olympic result for a Korean men's singles figure skater, and continued to improve his rankings afterward. He placed fifth at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics and fourth at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, held early this year, narrowly missing a medal. Cha also achieved major milestones, including winning the 2022 ISU Four Continents Championships, taking silver at the 2023 ISU World Figure Skating Championships, and winning gold at the 2025 Harbin Asian Winter Games.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.