Figure skater Cha Jun-hwan suspends competitive career

Cha Jun-hwan, 24, the face of South Korean men's singles figure skating, has announced he is suspending his competitive career for the current season.

Cha made the announcement Monday on SNS, saying he had spent a great deal of time reflecting after last season. "After much deliberation, I have decided not to continue national team activities or competition appearances this season," he wrote.

He added that he had also parted ways with the Seoul Metropolitan Government, his club team, after extensive discussions. "I sincerely thank the Seoul Metropolitan Government and its officials for believing in me and giving me their unwavering support," he said.

Cha said he intends to approach the period ahead with care. "I plan to do my best with what is in front of me while carefully thinking about what direction to take going forward," he wrote. "I am truly grateful to everyone who has always cheered me on and been a source of strength. I hope to greet you again in a good way."

Cha had been invited to compete in the Cup of China and the NHK Trophy — the third and sixth legs, respectively, of the 2026-2027 ISU Grand Prix series. With his decision to suspend activities this season, he is expected to withdraw from both events.

Cha has long been the standard-bearer of Korean men's singles figure skating. A former child actor, he rose to prominence as the dominant force in Korean men's singles while attending Hwimun Middle School. At the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics, he finished 15th — a record high for a South Korean male figure skater at the Games at the time.

He went on to earn a string of unprecedented achievements that won him wide public affection: winning the 2022 ISU Four Continents Championships, claiming a silver medal at the 2023 ISU World Championships, and taking gold at the 2025 Harbin Asian Winter Games.

However, sources said Cha had been wrestling for some time with whether to continue competing after finishing fourth at the 2026 Milan-Cortina d'Ampezzo Winter Olympics — a result that fell short of expectations.

He also recently stepped down from his position on the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee's athletes' committee, citing personal reasons.

Meanwhile, Cha signed an exclusive contract with entertainment agency Fantagio in April and broadened his reach into popular culture in August by taking the lead role in the ice show "Na Honjaman Level Up on ICE."