1. Life
Kim Seo-jun's early life and educational background laid the foundation for his distinguished career in sport shooting, which began at a young age and quickly led to his selection for the national team.
1.1. Early Life and Education
Born on October 28, 1990, Kim Seo-jun was originally named Kim Jun-hong (김준홍Kim Jun-hongKorean) (金俊弘) before later changing his name. He hails from Suncheon, Jeollanam-do, South Korea. For his education, he attended Seoul High School and subsequently enrolled at Korea National Sport University, where he continued to develop his skills as a shooter.
1.2. Early Career
Kim Seo-jun began his journey in sport shooting during his childhood. His talent was recognized early, leading to his first selection for the national team in 2011. That same year, he made his international debut at the 2011 ISSF World Cup held in Sydney, Australia, where he placed 30th in the 25m rapid fire pistol event. In September 2012, he further showcased his abilities at the 4th World University Shooting Championship in Kazan, Russia, the host city for the upcoming 2013 Summer Universiade, where he secured a gold medal in the men's rapid fire pistol individual competition.
2. Career Highlights
Kim Seo-jun's career is marked by notable achievements across various international competitions, including his military service, professional debut, and significant performances at the Olympics and World Cups.
2.1. Military Service and Universiade
In December 2012, Kim Seo-jun enlisted in Sangmu, the military sports unit of the Republic of Korea Armed Forces. While serving in the military, he continued to compete, representing South Korea at the 2013 Summer Universiade in Kazan, Russia, in July 2013. In the 25m rapid fire pistol team event, competing alongside teammates Choi Yong-hu and Kim Dae-woong, he earned a silver medal, finishing behind Russia. With the same team members, he also secured a bronze medal in the men's 25m standard pistol team event, placing third after China and Russia.
2.2. Professional Debut and International Success
After completing his military service, Kim Seo-jun joined the KB Kookmin Bank shooting team in September 2014, marking his entry into professional sports. Prior to this, in July 2014, he participated in the ISSF World Cup in Beijing, China. In the rapid fire pistol event, he tied the world record but ultimately finished in fourth place, behind Riccardo Mazzetti of Italy, Zhang Jian of China, and Martin Strnad of the Czech Republic.
On September 19, 2014, Kim Seo-jun represented South Korea at the 2014 ISSF World Shooting Championships in Granada, Spain. There, he claimed the gold medal in the 25m rapid fire pistol event, triumphing over Oliver Geis of Germany and Li Yuehong of China.
Later that same month, he competed at the 2014 Asian Games held in Incheon, South Korea. In the 25m rapid fire pistol team event, alongside Jang Dae-gyu and Song Jong-ho, he contributed to a gold medal victory, setting a new Asian record with a total score of 1747 points, surpassing teams from China and Vietnam. He also secured an individual gold medal in the 25m rapid fire pistol event with 31 points, defeating Chinese competitors Zhang Jian and Hu Haozhe, making him a two-time Asian Games champion. Additionally, in the standard pistol events, he earned a silver medal in the individual competition, finishing behind Ding Feng of China, and another silver medal in the team event with Jang Dae-gyu and Kang Min-su, again placing behind China.
2.3. Olympic Participation and World Record
Kim Seo-jun represented his country at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, a testament to his consistent high-level performance. His career further distinguished itself in 2018 when he achieved a significant milestone by setting a world record in the men's 25m rapid fire pistol event at the 2018 ISSF World Cup.
3. Awards and Honors
Kim Seo-jun has received prestigious accolades recognizing his contributions and achievements in the sport of shooting.
3.1. Decorations and Commendations
On November 12, 2024, Kim Seo-jun was awarded the Order of Sports Merit Cheongnyong, a distinguished decoration from the South Korean government recognizing his outstanding contributions to sports.
