Twenty-one-year-old Lee Hae-in made her Olympic debut at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, performing outstandingly in both the short program and the free skating. Competing at the Ice Arena in Milan, she scored her season best of 140.49 points in the women's single free skating, bringing her total to 210.56 points across both events, which earned her an eighth-place finish. After her performance, she expressed joy and relief, stating she was proud of her execution and hoped to leave a memorable experience for her supporters.

Lee's journey to the Olympics has been tumultuous. Once heralded as the next big star of figure skating in South Korea, she faced setbacks that jeopardized her career. In 2022, although she qualified for the Beijing Olympics, she could not compete due to health issues during the selection trials. Additionally, in 2024, she faced a three-year suspension due to serious allegations, which included misconduct from a prior training camp, leading to a significant battle to clear her name. Despite these obstacles, her legal fight resulted in the suspension being deemed invalid, allowing her to reignite her career and reclaim her position in the national team.

Finally competing on the Olympic stage, Lee Hae-in delivered her performances with poise and confidence. Reflecting on her experience, she noted the emotional challenge of competing under such high stakes but confidently executed her routines without mistakes. This experience at the Olympics not only showcases her athletic prowess but also symbolizes her resilience and determination in reclaiming her career after numerous challenges, signaling a hopeful future for the athlete as she continues her journey in figure skating.