The South Korean men's short track relay team, consisting of Im Jong-eon, Hwang Dae-heon, Lee Jung-min, Lee Jun-seo, and Shin Dong-min, made history by winning a silver medal in the men's 5000m relay at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics on January 21, 2026. Although they missed out on the gold medal for the first time since the 2006 Torino Olympics, the team celebrated their accomplishment with pride, showcasing a strong bond among teammates during the competition. The athletes expressed happiness over their performance and the teamwork that contributed to their medal finish.

Capturing the essence of camaraderie, the team captain Lee Jun-seo expressed joy at finishing the event together without injuries and receiving medals. The athletes credited each other, highlighting the strong leadership and cooperation each member brought to the relay. Hwang Dae-heon, who performed exceptionally in the final laps, emphasized believing in his teammates and their collective effort, contributing to securing the silver medal amidst fierce competition.

The team strategically adjusted their running order for the final race, placing Hwang, known for his experience, as the final runner. This move was intended to maximize their chances for victory, although in hindsight, they felt they could have pushed harder for the gold medal. The athletes acknowledged that luck favored the Netherlands, the gold medalists, but expressed resolve to come back stronger in future competitions, including the next Winter Olympics in four years.