Hosting the Olympic Games in the internet age brings more than just athletic heroes; it can spotlight unexpected cultural icons. This year, Kim Yeji, a South Korean markswoman, has captured global attention not only for her impressive skills but also her effortlessly cool demeanor.
Kim, 31, secured silver in the women’s 10-meter air pistol event at the Paris 2024 Games on July 28, finishing just behind her roommate and fellow South Korean, Oh Ye-jin, who won gold.
While Kim’s Olympic performance has garnered her many new fans, a resurfaced video from May has sparked widespread admiration on social media. The clip, from the International Shooting Sport Federation World Cup, features Kim breaking a world record in the 25-meter air pistol event.
Sporting a black backwards cap and Terminator-style glasses, Kim fires her rounds with remarkable composure. As her world-record results flash on screen, she responds with a nonchalant coolness that has earned her the title of “the coolest person ever.”
Social media has erupted with praise for Kim Yeji’s “main character” energy.
One user on X commented, “This girl is like a movie character—how is she real?”
Another added, “The underrated aspect of Yeji Kim’s coolness is her blasé attitude. She looks like she could do this in her sleep.”
GQ Magazine named Kim the first “breakout style star” of the 2024 Games.
“Kim looked straight out of a cyberpunk fan-fic. Her Olympic ensemble, complete with a charming elephant plushie, suggests a character with a unique backstory,” wrote Eileen Cartter of GQ.
“Is this the hottest and coolest anyone has ever looked in history? Possibly,” one user on X wondered.
Kim’s demeanor has drawn comparisons to action heroes and anti-heroes, including John Wick and the Terminator.
After her silver medal win, Kim spoke of the joy she felt watching her friend Oh – 12 years her junior – win gold.
“She is like my youngest sibling, and I always want to care for her and always be there for her. So, when she won the gold medal, I was extra happy,” Kim told Associated Press.
“I do not view her as my rival. This is a big stage, the Olympics, and we won the gold and silver. When we won these medals, we were so proud we are Koreans.”
Kim will compete in the 25 metre pistol women’s final on 2 August.
