1. Overview
Kim Jung-jun (김정준Kim Jung-junKorean; born August 26, 1978) is a highly decorated South Korean para-badminton player, widely recognized for his dominant performances in the WH2 men's singles and WH1-WH2 men's doubles categories. He has consistently ranked among the world's top players, showcasing remarkable resilience and skill throughout his career. Kim Jung-jun's achievements include multiple gold medals at the BWF Para-Badminton World Championships in 2013, 2015, 2017, and 2019, as well as two silver medals at the 2020 Summer Paralympics and a bronze at the 2024 Summer Paralympics. His success has significantly contributed to the global recognition and growth of para-badminton as a competitive sport, inspiring countless athletes and raising awareness for para-sports worldwide.
2. Early Life
Kim Jung-jun was born on August 26, 1978, in Goryeong County, North Gyeongsang Province, South Korea. Details about his childhood are not widely publicized, but his career as a para-badminton player began, leading him to become a prominent figure in the sport.
3. Major Achievements
Kim Jung-jun has amassed an impressive record of achievements across various major international para-badminton tournaments, demonstrating consistent excellence in both singles and doubles events. He has been a dominant force, particularly in the WH2 (wheelchair) men's singles and WH1-WH2 men's doubles categories.
3.1. Paralympic Games
Kim Jung-jun has achieved significant success at the Paralympic Games, securing multiple medals. He earned two silver medals at the 2020 Summer Paralympics in Tokyo and a bronze medal at the 2024 Summer Paralympics in Paris.
Men's singles WH2
| Year | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Yoyogi National Gymnasium, Tokyo, Japan | Daiki Kajiwara | 18-21, 19-21 |  Silver |
| 2024 | Porte de La Chapelle Arena, Paris, France | Yu Soo-young | 19-21, 21-19, 24-22 |  Bronze |
Men's doubles WH1-WH2
| Year | Venue | Partner | Opponent | Score | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Yoyogi National Gymnasium, Tokyo, Japan | Lee Dong-seop | Mai Jianpeng Qu Zimo | 10-21, 14-21 | Silver |
3.2. World Championships
Kim Jung-jun has consistently excelled at the BWF Para-Badminton World Championships, securing multiple gold medals in both men's singles and doubles.
Men's singles WH2
| Year | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Helmut-Körnig-Halle, Dortmund, Germany | Kim Kyung-hoon | 21-15, 21-17 |  Gold |
| 2015 | Stoke Mandeville Stadium, Stoke Mandeville, England | Kim Kyung-hoon | 21-19, 21-16 | Gold |
| 2017 | Dongchun Gymnasium, Ulsan, South Korea | Kim Kyung-hoon | 21-16, 21-19 | Gold |
| 2019 | St. Jakobshalle, Basel, Switzerland | Chan Ho Yuen | 21-18, 13-21, 21-18 | Gold |
| 2022 | Yoyogi National Gymnasium, Tokyo, Japan | Daiki Kajiwara | 12-21, 11-21 |  Silver |
| 2024 | Pattaya Exhibition and Convention Hall, Pattaya, Thailand | Yu Soo-young | 10-21, 21-19, 13-21 |  Bronze |
Men's doubles WH1-WH2
| Year | Venue | Partner | Opponent | Score | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Helmut-Körnig-Halle, Dortmund, Germany | Kim Kyung-hoon | Gobi Ranganathan Martin Rooke | 21-14, 21-19 | Gold |
| 2015 | Stoke Mandeville Stadium, Stoke Mandeville, England | Lee Dong-seop | Kim Kyung-hoon Lee Sam-seop | 17-21, 21-19, 24-26 | Silver |
| 2017 | Dongchun Gymnasium, Ulsan, South Korea | Lee Sam-seop | Choi Jung-man Kim Sung-hun | 16-21, 21-10, 21-8 | Gold |
| 2019 | St. Jakobshalle, Basel, Switzerland | Lee Dong-seop | Mai Jianpeng Qu Zimo | 21-18, 18-21, 15-21 | Silver |
| 2024 | Pattaya Exhibition and Convention Hall, Pattaya, Thailand | Choi Jung-man | Mai Jianpeng Qu Zimo | 10-21, 17-21 | Bronze |
Mixed doubles WH1-WH2
| Year | Venue | Partner | Opponent | Score | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Dongchun Gymnasium, Ulsan, South Korea | Kang Jung-kum | Lee Sam-seop Lee Sun-ae | 21-23, 21-17, 17-21 | Bronze |
3.3. Asian Para Games
Kim Jung-jun has also achieved notable results at the Asian Para Games, winning gold medals in men's singles and multiple silver and bronze medals in doubles.
Men's singles WH2
| Year | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Gyeyang Gymnasium, Incheon, South Korea | Kim Kyung-hoon | 21-12, 14-21, 21-13 | Gold |
| 2018 | Istora Gelora Bung Karno, Jakarta, Indonesia | Chan Ho Yuen | 15-21, 21-6, 21-17 | Gold |
| 2022 | Binjiang Gymnasium, Hangzhou, China | Yu Soo-young | 17-21, 18-21 | Bronze |
Men's doubles WH1-WH2
| Year | Venue | Partner | Opponent | Score | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Istora Gelora Bung Karno, Jakarta, Indonesia | Lee Dong-seop | Mai Jianpeng Qu Zimo | 15-21, 21-13, 17-21 | Silver |
| 2022 | Binjiang Gymnasium, Hangzhou, China | Choi Jung-man | Mai Jianpeng Qu Zimo | 15-21, 16-21 | Silver |
Mixed doubles WH1-WH2
| Year | Venue | Partner | Opponent | Score | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Gyeyang Gymnasium, Incheon, South Korea | Son Ok-cha | Jakarin Homhual Amnouy Wetwithan | 21-16, 18-21, 15-21 | Bronze |
3.4. Asian Championships
Kim Jung-jun has a strong record at the Asian Para-Badminton Championships, particularly dominating the men's singles and doubles events.
Men's singles WH2
| Year | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Yeo-ju Sports Center, Yeoju, South Korea | Lee Sam-seop | 10-21, 21-15, 21-11 | Gold |
| 2016 | China Administration of Sport for Persons with Disabilities, Beijing, China | Mai Jianpeng | 21-5, 21-12 | Gold |
Men's doubles WH1-WH2
| Year | Venue | Partner | Opponent | Score | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Yeo-ju Sports Center, | Lee Sam-seop | Fang Chih-tsung Ong Yu-yu | 21-6, 21-1 | Gold |
| Osamu Nagashima Tsutomu Shimada | 21-9, 21-12 | ||||
| Jakarin Homhual Chatchai Kornpeekanok | 21-8, 21-12 | ||||
| 2016 | China Administration of Sport for Persons with Disabilities, | Lee Sam-seop | Kim Kyung-hoon Lee Dong-seop | 17-21, 16-21 | Silver |
Mixed doubles WH1-WH2
| Year | Venue | Partner | Opponent | Score | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Yeo-ju Sports Center, Yeoju, South Korea | Son Ok-cha | Lee Sam-seop Lee Mi-ok | 21-15, 21-17 | Gold |
| Jakarin Homhual Amnouy Wetwithan | 18-21, 21-9, 21-17 | ||||
| Hiroki Fujino Midori Shimada | 21-9, 21-7 | ||||
| Chatchai Kornpeekanok Piyawan Thinjun | 21-6, 21-11 |
3.5. BWF Para Badminton World Circuit
The BWF Para Badminton World Circuit, comprising Grade 2, Level 1, 2, and 3 tournaments, was officially sanctioned by the BWF starting in 2022. Kim Jung-jun has actively participated in this circuit, securing several titles and runner-up finishes.
Men's singles WH2
| Year | Tournament | Level | Opponent | Score | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Canada Para-Badminton International | Level 1 | Daiki Kajiwara | 12-21, 16-21 | Runner-up |
| 2023 | Spanish Para-Badminton International II | Level 2 | Daiki Kajiwara | 14-21, 11-21 | Runner-up |
| 2023 | Spanish Para-Badminton International I | Level 1 | Daiki Kajiwara | 13-21, 7-21 | Runner-up |
| 2023 | Uganda Para-Badminton International | Level 3 | Sanjeev Kumar | 21-15, 21-13 | Winner |
| 2023 | 4 Nations Para-Badminton International | Level 1 | Daiki Kajiwara | 17-21, 21-19, 9-21 | Runner-up |
| 2023 | Western Australia Para-Badminton International | Level 2 | Kim Kyung-hoon | 21-12, 21-17 | Winner |
| 2024 | Spanish Para-Badminton International I | Level 1 | Daiki Kajiwara | 2-21, 9-21 | Runner-up |
| 2024 | Indonesia Para-Badminton International | Level 2 | Wiwin Andri | 21-10, 21-11 | Winner |
Men's doubles WH1-WH2
| Year | Tournament | Level | Partner | Opponent | Score | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Bahrain Para-Badminton International | Level 2 | Choi Jung-man | Rick Hellmann Thomas Wandschneider | 12-21, 21-10, 21-11 | Winner |
| 2022 | Dubai Para-Badminton International | Level 2 | Choi Jung-man | Muhammad Ikhwan Ramli Noor Azwan Noorlan | 21-13, 21-12 | Winner |
| 2022 | Canada Para-Badminton International | Level 1 | Jeong Jae-gun | Kim Kyung-hoon Lee Sam-seop | 20-22, 21-11, 18-21 | Runner-up |
| 2022 | Thailand Para-Badminton International | Level 1 | Choi Jung-man | Jeong Jae-gun Yu Soo-young | 21-13, 21-12 | Winner |
| 2023 | Spanish Para-Badminton International I | Level 1 | Choi Jung-man | Daiki Kajiwara Hiroshi Murayama | 21-18, 21-19 | Winner |
| 2023 | Thailand Para-Badminton International | Level 2 | Choi Jung-man | Mai Jianpeng Qu Zimo | 21-17, 14-21, 21-17 | Winner |
| 2023 | Canada Para-Badminton International | Level 1 | Choi Jung-man | Daiki Kajiwara Hiroshi Murayama | 11-21, 21-17, 16-21 | Runner-up |
| 2023 | Uganda Para-Badminton International | Level 3 | Ryu Dong-hyun | Sanjeev Kumar Francisco Motero | 21-7, 21-16 | Winner |
| 2023 | 4 Nations Para-Badminton International | Level 1 | Choi Jung-man | Daiki Kajiwara Hiroshi Murayama | 21-18, 19-21, 21-16 | Winner |
| 2023 | Western Australia Para-Badminton International | Level 2 | Ryu Dong-hyun | Prem Kumar Ale Abu Hubaida | 21-6, 21-14 | Winner |
| 2023 | Dubai Para-Badminton International | Level 1 | Choi Jung-man | Mai Jianpeng Qu Zimo | 13-21, 17-21 | Runner-up |
| 2024 | Spanish Para-Badminton International II | Level 2 | Choi Jung-man | Takumi Matsumoto Keita Nishimura | 22-20, 21-19 | Winner |
| 2024 | Indonesia Para-Badminton International | Level 2 | Ryu Dong-hyun | Kim Kyung-hoon Lee Sam-seop | 22-20, 17-21, 22-20 | Winner |
3.6. Other International Tournaments (2011-2021)
Prior to the establishment of the BWF Para Badminton World Circuit in 2022, Kim Jung-jun was a prominent figure in various international para-badminton tournaments, securing numerous titles.
Men's singles WH2
| Year | Tournament | Opponent | Score | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Spanish Para-Badminton International | Lee Sam-seop | 21-19, 18-21, 21-16 | Winner |
| 2014 | England-Para Badminton Championships | Kim Kyung-hoon | 21-17, 14-21, 21-19 | Winner |
| 2015 | China Para-Badminton International | Kim Kyung-hoon | 21-19, 21-14 | Winner |
| 2016 | Irish Para-Badminton International | Kim Kyung-hoon | 22-20, 21-19 | Winner |
| 2017 | Spanish Para-Badminton International | Kim Kyung-hoon | 21-12, 23-21 | Winner |
| 2017 | Thailand Para-Badminton International | Chan Ho Yuen | 21-18, 21-12 | Winner |
| 2017 | Japan Para-Badminton International | Chan Ho Yuen | 22-20, 21-13 | Winner |
| 2017 | USA Para-Badminton International | Madzlan Saibon | 21-16, 19-21, 22-20 | Winner |
| 2018 | Spanish Para-Badminton International | Chan Ho Yuen | 21-7, 21-13 | Winner |
| 2018 | Thailand Para-Badminton International | Chan Ho Yuen | 27-25, 18-21, 21-16 | Winner |
| 2018 | Australia Para-Badminton International | Chan Ho Yuen | 14-21, 21-18, 13-21 | Runner-up |
| 2019 | Turkish Para-Badminton International | Chan Ho Yuen | 12-21, 21-11, 18-21 | Runner-up |
| 2019 | Dubai Para-Badminton International | Chan Ho Yuen | 15-21, 21-13, 21-19 | Winner |
| 2019 | Canada Para-Badminton International | Chan Ho Yuen | 17-21, 11-21 | Runner-up |
| 2019 | Irish Para-Badminton International | Chan Ho Yuen | 21-12, 21-19 | Winner |
| 2019 | Thailand Para-Badminton International | Chan Ho Yuen | 19-21, 17-21 | Runner-up |
| 2019 | Japan Para-Badminton International | Chan Ho Yuen | 21-18, 21-14 | Winner |
| 2020 | Brazil Para-Badminton International | Amir Levi | 21-17, 18-21, 21-10 | Winner |
| 2020 | Peru Para-Badminton International | Daiki Kajiwara | 21-13, 21-14 | Winner |
| 2021 | Spanish Para-Badminton International | Luca Olgiati | 21-10, 21-12 | Winner |
Men's doubles WH1-WH2
| Year | Tournament | Partner | Opponent | Score | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Spanish Para-Badminton International | Lee Sam-seop | Sébastien Martin Seiji Yamami | 21-9, 21-8 | Winner |
| Javier Fernández Roberto Galdos | 21-11, 21-8 | ||||
| David Toupé Thomas Wandschneider | 21-11, 21-14 | ||||
| 2014 | England-Para Badminton Championships | Lee Sam-seop | Chan Ho Yuen Jakarin Homhual | 21-15, 21-8 | Winner |
| 2016 | Irish Para-Badminton International | Lee Sam-seop | David Toupé Thomas Wandschneider | 21-14, 21-9 | Winner |
| 2017 | Spanish Para-Badminton International | Choi Jung-man | Kim Kyung-hoon Lee Sam-seop | 21-14, 21-15 | Winner |
| 2017 | Thailand Para-Badminton International | Lee Sam-seop | Kim Kyung-hoon Lee Dong-seop | 21-16, 21-12 | Winner |
| 2017 | Japan Para-Badminton International | Choi Jung-man | Kim Kyung-hoon Lee Sam-seop | 21-16, 18-21, 19-21 | Runner-up |
| 2017 | USA Para-Badminton International | Lee Sam-seop | Chan Ho Yuen Osamu Nagashima | 21-11, 21-16 | Winner |
| 2018 | Spanish Para-Badminton International | Choi Jung-man | Jeong Jae-gun Lee Sam-seop | 16-21, 21-11, 21-12 | Winner |
| 2018 | Thailand Para-Badminton International | Lee Dong-seop | Choi Jung-man Lee Sam-seop | 19-21, 19-21 | Winner |
| 2018 | Australia Para-Badminton International | Choi Jung-man | Amir Levi David Toupé | 21-8, 21-17 | Winner |
| 2019 | Turkish Para-Badminton International | Lee Sam-seop | Mai Jianpeng Qu Zimo | 11-21, 21-18, 14-21 | Runner-up |
| 2018 | Canada Para-Badminton International | Lee Dong-seop | Choi Jung-man Kim Kyung-hoon | 21-10, 21-17 | Winner |
| 2019 | Irish Para-Badminton International | Lee Sam-seop | Chatchai Kornpeekanok Aphichat Sumpradit | 21-6, 21-13 | Winner |
| 2018 | Irish Para-Badminton International | Lee Sam-seop | Jeong Jae-gun Kim Kyung-hoon | 19-21, 21-11, 24-22 | Winner |
| 2019 | Japan Para-Badminton International | Lee Dong-seop | Mai Jianpeng Qu Zimo | 12-21, 13-21 | Runner-up |
| 2020 | Peru Para-Badminton International | Lee Dong-seop | Daiki Kajiwara Hiroshi Murayama | 22-20, 15-21, 21-18 | Winner |
| 2021 | Spanish Para-Badminton International | Lee Dong-seop | Kim Kyung-hoon Lee Sam-seop | 21-12, 21-15 | Winner |
Mixed doubles WH1-WH2
| Year | Tournament | Partner | Opponent | Score | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | China Para-Badminton International | Ikumi Fuke | Mai Jianpeng Wang Ping | 17-21, 12-21 | Runner-up |
| 2017 | Spanish Para-Badminton International | Kim Seung-suk | Chan Ho Yuen To Man-kei | 21-11, 12-21, 21-11 | Winner |
| 2017 | Spanish Para-Badminton International | Choi Jung-man | Kim Kyung-hoon Lee Sam-seop | 21-14, 21-15 | Winner |
| 2017 | Japan Para-Badminton International | Kim Seung-suk | Jakarin Homhual Amnouy Wetwithan | 21-14, 24-22 | Winner |
| 2017 | USA Para-Badminton International | Kang Jung-kum | Osamu Nagashima Yuma Yamazaki | 18-21, 21-8, 21-16 | Winner |
| 2018 | Thailand Para-Badminton International | Son Ok-cha | Osamu Nagashima Yuma Yamazaki | 12-21, 14-21 | Runner-up |
| 2018 | Australia Para-Badminton International | Kim Seung-suk | Hiroshi Murayama Rie Ogura | 11-21, 21-14, 21-18 | Winner |
4. Legacy and Evaluation
Kim Jung-jun stands as a pivotal figure in the world of para-badminton, not only for his remarkable athletic achievements but also for his broader impact on the sport and society.
4.1. Contributions and Impact
Kim Jung-jun's consistent presence on the international stage and his numerous gold and silver medals have significantly elevated the profile of para-badminton. His dedication and success demonstrate the immense talent and determination within the para-sports community. By competing at the highest level and achieving such widespread recognition, he has helped to break down barriers and challenge perceptions about disability in sports. His career inspires aspiring athletes with disabilities, showing them the possibilities within para-sports and encouraging greater participation. His contributions are integral to the ongoing development and increased awareness of para-badminton, fostering a more inclusive and appreciative environment for athletes with impairments.