Korean Curling’s Olympic Heartbreak: “5G” Team’s Near Miss & Tearful Exit

Korean Curling’s Olympic Heartbreak: “5G” Team’s Near Miss & Tearful Exit

February 23, 2026 discoverhiddenusacom Sports

The ice at the Milano Cortina d’Ampezzo Olympic Games echoed with heartbreak as the Korean women’s curling team, “Kyonggi-do Office,” saw their Olympic debut come to a close. A devastating loss to Canada on February 19th, a 7-10 defeat, left the team just short of a coveted semi-final berth.

A Dream Cut Short

With a final record of 5 wins and 4 losses, the team finished in 5th place overall. Skip Kim Eun-ji, visibly emotional, expressed her disappointment, stating, “I wished this wasn’t the end… I’m still adjusting my emotions and trying to calm my heart.” The loss marked a particularly cruel end to a tournament that held significant weight for Korean curling.

The Legacy of Team Kim

The 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics saw “Team Kim” capture a silver medal, igniting a national passion for the sport. This year’s team aimed to build upon that legacy, presenting a distinctly different style of play. The question now is how this performance will be viewed by Korean media and fans, and whether it will spark debate surrounding the team selection process, similar to discussions in Japan.

Did You Know? The members of the Korean team earned the nickname “5G” because the names and nicknames of each player – Kim Eun-ji, Kim Min-ji, Kim Su-ji, Seol Ye-eun, and Seol Ye-ji – all end with the syllable “ji.”

“5G” and a New Approach

Korean media coverage, as reported by SPOTV News, focused more on the team’s effort than the final result, describing them as a “beautiful and smiling squad, ultimately brought to tears.” The team embraced a vibrant and fast-paced approach, reflected in their “Have Fun” motto. Their cheerful communication during timeouts and victories over Italy and Sweden captivated fans, drawing comparisons to the energy of K-POP groups.

However, the decisive match against Canada proved to be their undoing. Tied 4-4 entering the 6th end, the team conceded a critical 4-point swing to their opponents, ultimately sealing their fate.

Expert Insight: The Korean team’s emphasis on a positive and energetic approach represents a deliberate shift in curling culture. While traditional curling often prioritizes stoicism and intense focus, “5G” sought to broaden the sport’s appeal and connect with a wider audience. This strategy, while successful in generating excitement, ultimately wasn’t enough to overcome the tactical precision of their opponents in this crucial Olympic contest.

What’s Next?

The team’s performance could lead to further scrutiny of the selection process for future international competitions. Discussions will arise regarding the balance between experience and a more modern, energetic style of play. The team may also focus on refining their tactical approach to better handle high-pressure situations, such as the 6th end against Canada. Further analysis of their performance is likely to occur within the Korean curling federation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the final record of the Korean women’s curling team?

The team finished with a record of 5 wins and 4 losses.

What was the team’s nickname during the Milano Cortina Olympic Games?

The team was nicknamed “5G” because all the members’ names end with the syllable “ji.”

What happened in the crucial 6th end against Canada?

The Korean team conceded a 4-point swing to Canada in the 6th end, which proved to be the turning point of the match.

How will the Korean curling programme adapt and evolve following this Olympic experience?