President Lee Jae-myung has extended congratulatory messages to Choi Ga-on, the gold medalist in women's halfpipe snowboarding, and Hwang Dae-heon, the silver medalist in men's 1500m short track speed skating, during the 2026 Milan-Cortina d'Ampezzo Winter Olympics. The messages were delivered on-site in the athletes' village in Milan by Lee Soo-kyung, president of the Korean Skating Union, and Kim Taek-soo, the head of the national team's village.

In his letter to Choi Ga-on, President Lee noted her remarkable achievement of scoring 90 points in the third attempt after having faced challenges in the earlier rounds, emphasizing how her victory has inspired not only the Korean people but also people around the world. He highlighted that her gold medal marks a significant milestone, showcasing that South Korea has moved beyond being mere challengers in snow sports, now standing amongst the global leaders in freestyle events such as halfpipe.

For Hwang Dae-heon, President Lee praised his impressive performance in a competitive race, showcasing his unwavering focus and determination. Lee remarked that Hwang's success serves as a testament to the strength and ongoing competitiveness of Korean men's short track skating, instilling great hope and inspiration in the South Korean citizens. This congratulatory gesture is an acknowledgment of the athletes’ contributions to the country's sports image on an international stage, reinforcing the pride of the nation in their accomplishments.