Korean judoka sets sights on Asian Games gold in native Japan
JINCHEON — Tokyo-born Korean judoka Huh Mimi said Thursday she will lean on support from her loved ones in her pursuit of an Asian Games gold medal in her native Japan next month. Born to a Korean father and a Japanese mother, Huh used to compete for Japan earlier in her career. She began representing Korea in 2021 to honor a dying wish of her grandmother. Huh, 23, is also a descendant of a…
Tokyo-born judoka Huh Mimi expressed her determination to secure a gold medal for Korea at the upcoming Asian Games in Japan. Huh, who was born to a Korean father and Japanese mother, previously competed for Japan before switching allegiance to Korea in 2021. This change was motivated by her grandmother's dying wish for her to represent Korea.
Huh, 23, also descends from a Korean independence fighter who fought during the Japanese colonial era. Her personal history and impressive credentials, including an Olympic silver medal and a world title in 2024, have made her a national hero in Korea. However, Huh faced setbacks earlier in 2025 following shoulder surgery in March.
She admitted during a joint press conference in Jincheon that the recovery process was extremely challenging and questioned whether she would ever compete on the podium again. Despite these obstacles, Huh made a remarkable comeback in November by winning gold in the women's event.
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- Korean judoka sets sights on Asian Games gold in native Japan koreatimes.co.kr
