'Naturalized in China' Lim Hyojun: "Chinese women are prettier than Korean women"… Controversy over successive remarks

Lin Xiaojun (26, Korean name Lim Hyojun) Weibo live broadcast. /Photo by Weibo capture

[Asia Economy Reporter Na Ye-eun] Lin Xiaojun (26, Korean name Im Hyo-jun), a former South Korean short track national team member who naturalized to China, said, "Chinese women seem to be prettier than Korean women."

On the 10th, Lin Xiaojun conducted a live broadcast on China's SNS 'Weibo' with Han Tianyu (天宇), a former Chinese short track athlete. When Han Tianyu asked, "What is the difference between Korean women and Chinese women?" Lin replied, "Honestly, I think Chinese women are prettier than Korean women."

He added, "I am also considering dating a Chinese woman," but said, "My training schedule is tight, so I currently have no reason to meet a girlfriend. Since I exercise every day, I hardly have time, and that is my biggest concern."

Lin Xiaojun also said, "These days, after training, I am studying Chinese diligently."

Lin Xiaojun (Korean name Im Hyojun) posted on the 5th, when China won the gold medal in the short track mixed relay, "Congratulations to the Chinese short track national team on their first gold medal. Let's give them a round of applause." / Photo by Lin Xiaojun Xiaohongshu capture

The day before (the 10th), he posted on his SNS, "Wait for me to come back. I will fight shoulder to shoulder with you," seemingly targeting Hwang Dae-heon, who won the gold medal in the men's 1500m short track.

Previously, Lin Xiaojun was the gold medalist in the men's 1500m event at the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics, where Hwang Dae-heon also competed.

However, in June 2019, during physical training at the Jincheon Athlete Village weight training center, Lin caused a sexual harassment controversy by pulling down Hwang Dae-heon's pants as a prank, resulting in a one-year suspension from the Korea Skating Union.

Lin Xiaojun was fined 3 million won in the first trial and, while still on trial, naturalized to China in June 2020, stating he would participate in the Beijing Winter Olympics. Last June, the Supreme Court confirmed his innocence. Although the prosecution appealed, the Supreme Court dismissed it, finalizing his acquittal.

Meanwhile, Lin Xiaojun did not qualify to participate in this Beijing Olympics. According to regulations, to compete in the Olympics after changing nationality, three years must pass since the last international competition under the previous nationality.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.