{
  "id": 14129872,
  "title": "Cha Jun-hwan steps away from national team, eyes entertainment career",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/13/cha-jun-hwan-steps-away-from-national-team-eyes-entertainment-career",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-13T05:52:02.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Korea Times",
    "slug": "the-korea-times-koreatimes",
    "url": "https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/sports/20261013/cha-jun-hwan-steps-away-from-national-team-eyes-entertainment-career"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Korean figure skating star Cha Jun-hwan, 25, is calling it quits from competitive skating this season. He has set his sights on a future in entertainment. Cha made this announcement on social media, stating he will not continue competing or serving on the national team this season after much thought. \"After much deliberation, I have decided not to continue my national team activities or compete in events this season,\" he said. His current contract with the Seoul Metropolitan Government is also set to expire after extensive talks with city officials. \"I sincerely thank the Seoul Metropolitan Government and everyone at Seoul City Hall for believing in me and giving me their unwavering support,\" Cha expressed his gratitude. As for the future, Cha remains open, saying his focus will be on current duties while he ponders his next path. \"I will do my best with the opportunities currently given to me while carefully thinking about what path I want to pursue going forward,\" he concluded.",
  "summary": "Korean figure skating star Cha Jun-hwan, 25, is stepping away from competitive ice this season, with signs pointing to a new chapter in the entertainment industry. Cha said on social media Monday that he had decided not to continue competing or serving on the national team this season after careful consideration. \"After much deliberation, I have decided not to continue my national team activities…",
  "key_points": [
    "Cha Jun-hwan retires from competitive figure skating this season.",
    "He aims to pursue a career in entertainment.",
    "Cha thanks Seoul Metropolitan Government for support."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Cha's departure from competitive skating and the national team marks a significant shift from athletic excellence toward a new professional chapter within the entertainment industry.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Korea Times",
        "title": "Cha Jun-hwan steps away from national team, eyes entertainment career",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/13/cha-jun-hwan-steps-away-from-national-team-eyes-entertainment-career-14133159",
        "published": "2026-10-13T06:12:04.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}