In a momentous fusion of K-pop and international sports, Sunghoon of the global boy group ENHYPEN has been officially named a torchbearer for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
The announcement was made by his agency, BELIFT LAB, on January 24, 2026, marking a significant personal and professional achievement for the artist.
This appointment is particularly poignant given Sunghoon’s unique background, as it brings his journey full circle from an elite winter sports athlete to a global entertainment icon.
As the world prepares for the upcoming Games in Italy, Sunghoon will represent both the spirit of South Korean sportsmanship and the global influence of the Hallyu wave.
A Journey Rooted in Winter Sports
Sunghoon’s selection as a torchbearer is deeply connected to his life before his debut in the music industry.
Prior to becoming a member of ENHYPEN , Sunghoon was a highly accomplished figure skater. He was a competitive athlete for many years, even serving as a reserve member of the South Korean national figure skating team.
His discipline and athletic prowess earned him the nickname “Ice Prince” among fans, a title that has followed him into his singing career.
In recognition of his athletic history and his current global platform, Sunghoon has served as an official ambassador for the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee since last year.
His transition from the ice rink to the stage has inspired many, and his role in the 2026 torch relay serves as a bridge between his past dreams and his current reality.
By carrying the Olympic flame, he honors the years of “sweat and hard work” he dedicated to figure skating while celebrating his success as a singer.
ENHYPEN’s Sunghoon (Credit: YouTube)
Achieving a Lifelong Dream
In a statement reflecting on the appointment, Sunghoon expressed deep emotion and gratitude.
He noted that during his years as a figure skater, participating in the Olympics was his ultimate dream. While he did not compete in the Games as an athlete, he remarked,
“It feels like I’ve now achieved that dream as a singer, so I’m delighted and honored.”
He also took the opportunity to send a message of encouragement to the national athletes currently preparing for the Milano Cortina Games.
Having experienced the grueling training required for elite sports, Sunghoon emphasized that he is “rooting for them wholeheartedly.”
His involvement is expected to bring increased visibility and support to the South Korean national team from his massive global fanbase, known as ENGENE.
Setting a New Milestone in K-Pop
Sunghoon’s participation in the Milano Cortina torch relay is a historic event for the music industry. He is only the second K-pop artist in history to participate in an overseas Olympic torch relay.
He follows in the footsteps of BTS’s Jin, who represented South Korea during the torch relay for the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games.
This selection highlights the growing status of K-pop idols as global cultural ambassadors who can represent their nations on the world’s most prestigious stages.
Looking Ahead to the Games
The torch relay for the 2026 Winter Olympics will culminate in Milan on February 6, 2026, the day of the opening ceremony.
As Sunghoon carries the flame through the relay, he will join a long line of distinguished individuals chosen to spread the message of peace and athletic excellence.
For ENHYPEN fans and sports enthusiasts alike, seeing the “Ice Prince” finally reach the Olympic stage is a powerful narrative of resilience and multifaceted success.
This milestone further solidifies Sunghoon’s reputation as a versatile talent who excels in every arena he enters, whether it be on the ice or under the spotlight.
In a sudden update regarding her health and professional schedule, actress Cha Joo Young has announced a temporary halt to all her upcoming activities.
On January 25, 2026, her management agency, Ghost Studio, released an official statement informing fans and the media that the actress had undergone surgery and would require a period of rest and recovery.
Cha Joo Young , who has been steadily building a strong reputation through various high-profile roles, will be stepping away from the spotlight for a short time to focus entirely on her physical well-being.
This decision comes at a busy time for the actress, making the announcement particularly impactful for her ongoing and upcoming projects.
Medical Details and the Necessity of Surgery
The agency provided specific context regarding the nature of the surgery to avoid undue speculation.
According to Ghost Studio, Cha Joo Young had been suffering from recurring and persistent nosebleeds for an extended period.
After undergoing in-depth medical examinations and receiving specialized treatment, medical professionals determined that she required Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) surgery.
The statement clarified that the procedure was “unavoidable” and could no longer be postponed if the actress were to maintain her long-term health.
Currently, she is in the post-surgery recovery stage, a critical time where her progress must be closely monitored by medical staff.
Because of the delicate nature of the recovery process, the agency emphasized that it would be impossible for her to participate in any official scheduled activities, including promotional events that were already on her calendar.
Impact on Upcoming Projects and Apologies
Cha Joo Young’s hiatus comes just as several of her major projects are nearing their release dates.
Ghost Studio specifically mentioned her upcoming thriller film “Sister,” in which she stars alongside Jung Zi So and Lee Soo Hyuk.
In the film, she plays a character taken captive in a ransom plot, a role that has already generated significant buzz through tense trailers and posters. Additionally, her upcoming series “Climax” is also on the horizon.
The agency expressed their deepest apologies to the production teams, co-stars, and fans who might be inconvenienced by this “unavoidable change in schedule.”
They requested the public’s understanding during this time and urged fans to continue showing interest in her upcoming film and series despite her inability to participate in promotional events.
The agency’s primary focus is now on supporting her “safe recovery” so that she can return to the industry in good health.
Fan Support
The news of Cha Joo Young’s surgery has prompted a wave of support from fans who are wishing her a speedy and full recovery.
Having recently been recognized at the 2025 APAN Star Awards, her trajectory in the industry is on a significant upward trend, and her health is seen as the top priority to ensure the longevity of her career.
As she rests and recovers, the industry awaits her return with anticipation, confident that her talent and determination will see her back on screen as soon as she is physically ready.
For now, the focus remains on her recovery and the successful release of her pre-filmed projects, “Sister” and “Climax,” which will serve as a bridge for fans during her temporary absence.
