Lee hosts luncheon for athletes from Winter Paralympics

▲ President Lee Jae Myung speaks during a luncheon for para athletes of the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympics Games held at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on March 20, 2026. (Yonhap)

▲ Para cross-country skier Kim Yun-ji speaks during a luncheon hosted by President Lee Jae Myung at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on March 20, 2026. (Yonhap)

Lee-Winter Paralympics

Lee hosts luncheon for athletes from Winter Paralympics

By Kim Eun-jung

SEOUL, March 20 (Yonhap) -- President Lee Jae Myung on Friday hosted a luncheon for athletes who competed in the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympic Games, praising their performance and unwavering spirit in overcoming challenges.

Lee said the Korean athletes demonstrated remarkable resilience, adding that the public will long remember the inspiration they provided during this year's Winter Games.

South Korea finished 13th with two gold medals, four silver medals and one bronze medal at the Milano-Cortina Paralympic Games, marking its best-ever result at a Winter Paralympics.

"As athletes representing the Republic of Korea, you pushed beyond your limits and delivered deep inspiration and pride to the people and audiences around the world," Lee said during the luncheon at Cheong Wa Dae.

"The government will actively support people with disabilities so they can build confidence and a sense of achievement through sports and lead healthy lives," he added.

Lee highlighted the standout performance by para cross-country skier Kim Yun-ji, who won two gold medals and three silver medals -- the highest number earned by a South Korean athlete in a single edition of the Olympics or Paralympics.

Kim expressed gratitude for public support, saying the Korean team achieved its best-ever performance and describing it as a "happy time" to hear the national anthem played.

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