Feb 18 • 12:07 UTC 🇰🇷 Korea Hankyoreh (KR)

“My Mother Would Have Been Moved Too”... Cha Jun-hwan Receives Thanks from Daughter of Original Singer of Free Skating Music

Cha Jun-hwan, a South Korean figure skater, changed his free skating program song to 'Balada para un Loco' before the 2026 Winter Olympics, receiving thanks from the daughter of the song's original artist.

Cha Jun-hwan, a prominent South Korean figure skater, has chosen to perform to the song 'Balada para un Loco' for his free skating program ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan. He expressed confidence in this selection, having previously skated to a track from 'Moulin Rouge.' The decision was also influenced by the song being sung by the legendary Italian artist Milva, who hails from the same country as the upcoming Olympics. Cha's performance earned him a commendable fourth place in his third Olympic appearance on February 13.

Two days after Cha's competition, he was surprised by a visit from Martina Corgna, the daughter of Milva. She expressed her gratitude for Cha's choice of her mother's song, presenting him with a handwritten letter and a gift package that included a CD of 'Balada para un Loco' and a special set of stamps released in Italy to honor Milva. Corgna shared her heartfelt emotions, stating that even though Cha fell during his routine, what truly mattered was his determination to continue and deliver an elegant performance that resonated deeply with the music.

Milva, known as the queen of Italian popular music, passed away five years ago, and Corgna reflected on how her mother would have felt moved by Cha's tribute. As Cha continues to train locally after the Olympics, he is scheduled to perform at a gala show on February 22, where he will skate to 'Not a Dream,' a piece sung by Song So-hee, which adds further significance to his Olympic journey and the legacy of the song he chose.

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