1. Overview
Han Soo-jin (한수진Korean; born September 22, 1987) is a South Korean ice hockey player renowned for her remarkable transition from a classical pianist to a professional athlete. She currently plays in the Korean Women's Hockey League for the Suwon City Hall women's ice hockey team. Han made history as a member of the Unified Korea women's national ice hockey team at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, where she scored a significant power play goal against Sweden, marking it as only the second goal for the team in the tournament and the first by a native Korean player. Her career exemplifies dedication and the pursuit of true passion, successfully navigating a unique path in professional sports.
2. Early Life and Education
Han Soo-jin's early life saw her developing a passion for both music and ice hockey, leading to a unique educational journey before her full commitment to sports.
2.1. Birth and Early Introduction to Ice Hockey
Born on September 22, 1987, Han Soo-jin first encountered ice hockey in the fourth grade of elementary school. This early introduction sparked an interest that would eventually shape her future career.
2.2. Academic Background
Han Soo-jin pursued a strong academic path in music. She attended Yewon Middle School and subsequently the prestigious Seoul Arts High School, both known for their specialized arts education. Following high school, she enrolled in the College of Music at Yonsei University, where she majored in piano, initially aiming for a career as a classical pianist.
3. Career Transition
Despite her deep commitment to classical piano, Han Soo-jin experienced a pivotal shift in her career aspirations, ultimately choosing to dedicate herself fully to ice hockey. Even after entering Yonsei University's College of Music to continue her piano studies, she maintained her engagement with ice hockey. She eventually realized that her true passion lay with ice hockey, leading her to make the significant decision to give up her pursuit of a professional piano career to fully embrace the sport. This transition highlights her determination to follow her passion, even if it meant diverging from her established academic and musical path.
4. Ice Hockey Career
Han Soo-jin has established a significant career in ice hockey, playing both in a domestic league and extensively representing South Korea on the international stage as a member of the national team.
4.1. Domestic League
Han Soo-jin is an active player in the Korean Women's Hockey League. She is a member of the Suwon City Hall women's ice hockey team, contributing to their performance in the league.
4.2. National Team Career
Han Soo-jin has been a key member of the South Korean national ice hockey team, participating in numerous international competitions and making significant contributions.
4.2.1. International Competitions Prior to 2018 Olympics
Before her Olympic debut, Han Soo-jin represented South Korea in several major international tournaments. She competed in the 2011 Winter Asian Games and the 2017 Winter Asian Games, showcasing her skills on the continental stage. Additionally, she participated in various World Championships, gaining valuable international experience.
4.2.2. 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics
Han Soo-jin played a historic role as a member of the Unified Korea women's national ice hockey team at the 2018 Winter Olympics held in Pyeongchang. During the 7th-8th place match against Sweden on February 20, she scored a power play goal. This goal was particularly significant as it was only the second goal scored by the Unified Korea team in the entire tournament, and notably, the first goal scored by a native Korean player in an Olympic ice hockey match. Her performance in this game marked a memorable moment for Korean ice hockey at the Olympics.