South Korean figure skating star Cha Jun-hwan has announced he will step away from competition this season, suspending both his national team activities and all competition appearances.
According to Sports Seoul, Cha made the surprise announcement on October 12 through his personal social media. “After the last season ended, I thought really long and hard about my future activities,” he wrote. “After much deliberation, I have decided not to continue my national team activities and competition participation this season.”
Cha also confirmed he is parting ways with Seoul City Hall, his longtime team, after discussions with the city. He thanked Seoul and City Hall officials for their unwavering support over the years.
“I will do my best in the work I have been given while carefully considering what direction to take going forward,” Cha added, promising fans he would greet them again in good form.
Cha is widely regarded as a living legend of Korean figure skating. He won silver at the 2023 World Championships, stood out at the 2025 Harbin Winter Asian Games, and finished fourth at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, leading the golden era of Korean men’s skating.
The hiatus comes as Cha widens his entertainment footprint. He signed an exclusive contract with Fantagio in April, is considering an appearance in tvN’s upcoming sitcom “Palace Land,” and recently appeared in Roy Kim’s “Sparkle” music video alongside Seo Soo-min. Whether this signals a full turn toward acting and broadcasting or simply a season of rest remains to be seen.
