During the semifinals of the mixed relay 2000m at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics held on February 10, 2026, the South Korean short track team experienced a devastating collision that led to their failure to qualify for the final. The team, comprised of athletes from various regions and cities in Korea, was competing strongly when Kim Kili, in pursuit of Canadian and Belgian competitors, encountered a fallen American skater, Karrin Stodard, who obstructed her path. Despite a quick response from teammate Choi Min-jung to re-enter the race, they could not secure a top-three finish necessary for advancement.

The Korean coaching staff lodged a protest against the decision, but this was unsuccessful, leaving the team upset and frustrated. This incident continues a trend of misfortune for the South Korean mixed relay team, which faced a similar setback at the 2022 Beijing Olympics. During that event, a crucial exchange led to a fall due to equipment issues, costing them a chance to progress and allowing China to claim the first-ever Olympic gold in the mixed relay category.

The mixed relay event was introduced by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to promote gender equality and women's sports, adding an exciting dynamic to the Olympics. However, the format presents challenges such as tight exchanges among eight competitors, elevating the risk of collisions that can unjustly affect performance. Many fans have voiced their opinions online regarding the need for improvements in the sport, highlighting both the thrill it offers and the significant risks involved in the mixed relay format.