Kim Min-seok, a 26-year-old speed skater who recently naturalized as a Hungarian citizen, shared insights regarding his transition and motivations at the Winter Olympics in Milan. After a disappointing performance, where he placed 12th in the men's mass start and did not medal in other events, he confessed that his love for skating outweighed his ties to South Korea. Following his DUI incident in 2022, which led to a suspension from the Korean national team, Min-seok faced challenges that prompted him to seek a path that would allow him to continue competing at a high level.

Throughout his career, Min-seok has experienced both triumph and adversity, notably winning medals at the Pyeongchang and Beijing Winter Olympics as part of the South Korean team. However, his disciplinary issues significantly impacted his standing, leading to a lack of competition opportunities and ultimately influencing his decision to represent Hungary instead. He reflected on his dedication to the sport, asserting that skating had always been his primary passion, and that training interruptions due to his suspension would jeopardize his career if he remained with South Korea.

Despite ending this Olympic campaign without medals, Min-seok remains optimistic about the future, expressing no regrets about his choices. He spoke about the invaluable lessons learned during this competition and his belief that he will continue to grow in the sport. He emphasized the unforgettable experience of competing in the Olympics and expressed intentions to strive for success in the upcoming Winter Olympics in 2026, indicating that his competitive spirit, driven by love for skating, remains unshaken.