Korean table tennis duo Lim Jong-hoon and Shin Yu-bin have achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first pair to attain the No. 1 spot in the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) mixed doubles world rankings. This announcement comes on February 11, where their ranking reflects a rise following their performance in the seventh week of the current year. Their ascent to the top is a significant achievement for the pair and for South Korean table tennis as a whole.

The pair's previous success at the Hong Kong Finals last year played a pivotal role in their ranking boost, as they accumulated points that contributed to their new placement. They secured 1500 points through various competitions, adhering to the ITTF’s ranking points system which awards points based on performance over a maximum of eight tournaments, with points dropping off after one year. This showcases their consistent excellence in the sport and the dedication they've shown throughout their partnership.

Additionally, Lim Jong-hoon was honored with the Best Player Award at the KTTA Awards held on February 9 at the JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square in Seoul, marking a significant recognition in his career. This accolade, combined with their world ranking achievement, underscores the growing prominence of South Korean players in international table tennis and highlights their potential for future competitions.