Son Yeon-jae

1. Overview

Son Yeon-jae (손연재_{Son Yeon-jae}^Korean; 孫延在_{Son Yeon-jae}^Chinese; born May 28, 1994) is a retired South Korean rhythmic gymnast and current broadcaster. Often called "Korea's Fairy," "National Niece," or "the Kim Yuna of gymnastics," she is celebrated for her pioneering achievements that significantly elevated the profile of rhythmic gymnastics in South Korea. Son became the first South Korean rhythmic gymnast to reach the individual all-around finals at two consecutive Olympic Games, placing fifth at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London and fourth at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, setting the highest Olympic ranking for an Asian rhythmic gymnast. Her historic wins include the first gold medal for South Korea in rhythmic gymnastics at the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon, a bronze medal at the 2014 World Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships in Izmir, and multiple gold medals at the Summer Universiade and Asian Gymnastics Championships. After her retirement in 2017, Son transitioned into various media roles and established Leap Studio, contributing to the development and promotion of rhythmic gymnastics in Korea.

2. Early life and education

Son Yeon-jae was born on May 28, 1994, in Gunja-dong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, South Korea. She is an only child and belongs to the Miryang Son clan. Her height is 65 in ^{(165 cm)}. Son began training in rhythmic gymnastics at a young age, partly to manage her weight.

She attended Seoul Sejong Elementary School, Gwangjang Middle School, and Seoul Sejong High School. Following her high school graduation, she enrolled in the Sports & Leisure Studies program at Yonsei University, though she later took a leave of absence. Known for her linguistic aptitude, Son is able to speak English, Japanese, and Russian, which proved beneficial during her international training and competitions.

3. Athletic career

Son Yeon-jae's competitive journey in rhythmic gymnastics spanned from her junior years through her retirement in 2017, marked by numerous historic achievements for South Korea. She trained extensively in Russia, notably at the Novogorsk training center, under coaches like Elena Nefedova. She was also a former member of the South Korean national gymnastics team, based in Taereung, Seoul, and was managed by the IB Sports agency.

3.1. Junior career and early senior debut

Son Yeon-jae's early career showed significant promise. In 2005, she won first place in the rhythmic gymnastics division at the 34th National Junior Sports Festival for elementary school girls, and secured multiple first-place finishes at the 30th KBS National Rhythmic Gymnastics Competition in team, group, individual all-around, rope, and hoop categories. The following year, in 2006, she continued her dominance, winning the rhythmic gymnastics division at the 35th National Junior Sports Festival and first place in the individual all-around at both the 31st KBS National Rhythmic Gymnastics Competition and the 19th President's Cup National Rhythmic Gymnastics Competition.

In 2007, she placed second in the rhythmic gymnastics division at the 36th National Junior Sports Festival for elementary school girls, and maintained her top position in the individual all-around at the 32nd KBS National Rhythmic Gymnastics Competition and the 20th President's Cup National Rhythmic Gymnastics Competition. She also achieved a notable fifth place in the junior individual all-around at the Slovenia European World Cup.

Her success continued into 2008, where she won the individual all-around gold medal at the Angel Cup in Malaysia. She also took first place in the individual all-around at the 33rd KBS National Rhythmic Gymnastics Competition and the 20th President's Cup National Rhythmic Gymnastics Competition. In 2009, she topped the National Team Selection Competition for juniors with a score of 92.025 points. From November 13 to 15, 2009, she became the junior all-around champion at the Slovenian Challenge Tournament, marking the first time a South Korean rhythmic gymnast won a gold medal at any International Tournament level recognized by the FIG. Her performances also included a first place in hoop (23.467 points) and rope (23.550 points) at the same event. That year, she also won first place in rope and clubs at the 34th KBS National Rhythmic Gymnastics Competition for middle schoolers, and multiple first-place finishes at the 22nd President's Cup National Rhythmic Gymnastics Competition in team, individual all-around, rope, hoop, and clubs.

Son made her senior international debut at the 2010 Kalamata World Cup, finishing 12th in the all-around with a score of 98.450. In May 2010, she competed at the Corbeil-Essonnes International Rhythmic Gymnastics Tournament, placing 11th in the all-around with 102.400 points. At the 2010 Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships, she finished 32nd in the individual all-around, not advancing to the finals. She garnered significant attention in South Korea, similar to Olympic figure skating champion Kim Yuna, after winning a bronze medal in the individual all-around at the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou, becoming the first South Korean rhythmic gymnast to achieve this. Soon after, she relocated to Russia for long-term training.

In 2011, at the Grand Prix series in Moscow, she placed 19th in the individual all-around with a total score of 100.700 points. She continued to perform at FIG World Cup Series events, placing 12th in Pesaro with 104.825 points and 13th in Pruti with 105.325 points. At the 2011 World Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships, she finished 11th with 107.750 points.

In February 2012, at the Grand Prix series in Moscow, she tied for 18th place in the individual all-around with a total score of 100.850 points and secured a third-place finish in the hoop final. In April 2012, Son made history by becoming the first Korean rhythmic gymnast to medal at the World Cup Series, Category B, winning a bronze medal in the hoop final in Penza, Russia, where she also placed fourth in the individual all-around. In May 2012, she finished last in the hoop final at the World Cup Series, Category B, in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, placing fifth overall. Son finished second to last in the individual all-around at the World Cup Series, Category A, in Sofia, Bulgaria.

3.2. Major international competitions

3.2.1. 2012 London Olympics

Son Yeon-jae competed at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. She placed sixth in the qualifications, becoming the first Korean rhythmic gymnast to qualify and reach the all-around finals at the Olympics. In the all-around finals, she was ranked third after the second rotation, but a drop from her clubs routine resulted in a score of 26.750 points. Son ultimately finished fifth overall with a total score of 111.475 points, marking the highest Olympic ranking for an Asian rhythmic gymnast at that time.

3.2.2. 2014 Incheon Asian Games

At the 2014 Asian Games held in her home country, Incheon, South Korea, Son Yeon-jae made history by winning the gold medal in rhythmic gymnastics. This marked the first time a Korean rhythmic gymnast achieved a gold medal at the Asian Games. She also secured a silver medal in the team event. Her performance at the Asian Games further cemented her status as a national icon; she was voted the best athlete of the year with 42 percent of the votes, surpassing Kim Yuna, who received 33.3 percent. She was also honored with the MBN Women Sports Award 2014 in Seoul.

3.2.3. 2016 Rio Olympics

Son Yeon-jae competed in her final Olympic appearance at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. She qualified for the rhythmic gymnastics individual all-around final and finished fourth overall with a total score of 72.898 points. This achievement further elevated her standing, as it was the highest Olympic ranking ever achieved by an Asian rhythmic gymnast.

4. Post-retirement activities

After retiring from competitive gymnastics, Son Yeon-jae embarked on a new phase of her career, engaging in broadcasting, business, and various public activities.

4.3. Endorsements and public relations

Son Yeon-jae has been actively involved in various advertising campaigns and served as a public relations ambassador. Her clean image and popularity made her a sought-after figure for endorsements.

Her notable endorsements include:

• LG
• Pantene
• Mr.Pizza
• Fila
• 2015: Mykin Q (for Myungin Pharmaceutical)
• 2015: North Face Outdoor (co-starring with national badminton player Lee Yong-dae)
• 2016: KB Insurance Magic Car Driver's Insurance (co-starring with actor Jung Woong-in)
• 2020: Curble Chair Wider (posture correction chair)

In February 2021, she was appointed as a public relations ambassador for the Korean Social Welfare Society, further demonstrating her engagement in charitable and public service activities.

5. Achievements and records

Son Yeon-jae holds several unique and pioneering records in the history of South Korean rhythmic gymnastics:

• First and only South Korean rhythmic gymnast to place in the Top 10 finals at the Olympic Games (5th at the 2012 Summer Olympics and 4th at the 2016 Summer Olympics).
• Ranked 5th in the world in the 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016 FIG Rhythmic Gymnastics World Cup Series seasons.
• Ranked 9th in 2012 and 19th in 2011 FIG Rhythmic Gymnastics World Cup Series seasons.
• First and only South Korean rhythmic gymnast to win a medal at the Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships (bronze in hoop at the 2014 World Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships).
• First Asian and South Korean rhythmic gymnast to win gold in the all-around at the FIG World Cup series.
• First and only South Korean rhythmic gymnast to win a medal at the FIG World Cup series.
• First and only South Korean rhythmic gymnast to win a medal at the Universiade individual rhythmic gymnastics.
• First and only South Korean rhythmic gymnast to win gold at the Asian Gymnastics Championships.
• First and only South Korean rhythmic gymnast to win an individual medal at the Asian Games (bronze at the 2010 Asian Games and gold at the 2014 Asian Games).
• First Korean to win a bronze medal at the Moscow Grand Prix in February 2012.

6. Awards and career highlights

Son Yeon-jae has received numerous awards and commendations throughout her distinguished athletic career:

• 2005:**
  • 1st place, Rhythmic Gymnastics, Female Elementary School Division, 34th National Junior Sports Festival
  • 1st place in Team, Group, Individual All-Around, Rope, Hoop at the 30th KBS National Rhythmic Gymnastics Competition
• 2006:**
  • 1st place, Rhythmic Gymnastics Division, 35th National Junior Sports Festival
  • 1st place, Individual All-Around, 31st KBS National Rhythmic Gymnastics Competition
  • 1st place, Individual All-Around, 19th President's Cup National Rhythmic Gymnastics Competition
• 2007:**
  • 2nd place, Rhythmic Gymnastics, Female Elementary School Division, 36th National Junior Sports Festival
  • 1st place, Individual All-Around, 32nd KBS National Rhythmic Gymnastics Competition
  • 1st place, Individual All-Around, 20th President's Cup National Rhythmic Gymnastics Competition
  • 5th place, Junior Individual All-Around, Slovenia European World Cup
• 2008:**
  • 1st place, Individual All-Around, Malaysia Angel Cup
  • 1st place, Individual All-Around, 33rd KBS National Rhythmic Gymnastics Competition
  • 1st place, Individual All-Around, 20th President's Cup National Rhythmic Gymnastics Competition
• 2009:**
  • 1st place, Junior Division, National Team Selection Competition (92.025 points)
  • Junior Individual All-Around Champion, Slovenia Challenge Tournament (Hoop: 23.467, Rope: 23.550)
  • 1st place, Middle School Division Rope and Clubs, 34th KBS National Rhythmic Gymnastics Competition
  • 1st place in Team, Individual All-Around, Rope, Hoop, Clubs at the 22nd President's Cup National Rhythmic Gymnastics Competition
• 2010:**
  • 12th place, Individual All-Around, Kalamata World Cup Series (98.450 points)
  • 11th place, Individual All-Around, Corbeil World Cup Series (102.400 points)
  • 22nd place, Individual All-Around, Pesaro World Cup Series (101.375 points)
  • 32nd place, Individual All-Around, 30th Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships
  • Bronze medal, Individual All-Around, 2010 Asian Games (108.450 points)
• 2011:**
  • Recipient of the Talent Medal of Korea
  • 19th place, Individual All-Around, Moscow Grand Prix Series (100.700 points)
  • 12th place, Individual All-Around, FIG World Cup Series Pesaro (104.825 points)
  • 13th place, Individual All-Around, FIG World Cup Series Pruti (105.325 points)
  • 11th place, 31st Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships (107.750 points)
• 2012:**
  • 18th place, Individual All-Around, Moscow Grand Prix (100.850 points)
  • 5th place, Individual All-Around, 2012 Summer Olympics (111.475 points)
• 2013:**
  • 10th place, Individual All-Around, Moscow Gazprom Grand Prix (61.498 points)
  • 9th place, Individual All-Around, Lisboa World Cup (66.200 points); Ball bronze (17.400), Hoop 4th (17.400)
  • 9th place, Individual All-Around, Pesaro World Cup (67.700 points); Ribbon silver (17.483), Clubs 5th (17.067)
  • Hoop silver, Ribbon bronze, St. Petersburg World Cup Final
  • 1st place, Individual All-Around, Tashkent Asian Gymnastics Championships (72.066 points); Hoop 1st (18.433), Clubs 1st (18.400), Ball 4th (16.933), Ribbon 2nd (18.167)
  • 6th place, Individual All-Around, 2013 Summer Universiade; Ball silver, Clubs 5th, Ribbon 7th
  • 5th place, Individual All-Around, 2013 World Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships
  • Hoop silver, Ribbon bronze, St. Petersburg World Cup Series
• 2014:**
  • Individual All-Around Champion, FIG Rhythmic Gymnastics World Cup Series Lisbon, becoming the first Asian and Korean rhythmic gymnast to win this title. Also won gold medals in ball, clubs, and ribbon, and a bronze in hoop.
  • Clubs silver, Ball bronze, Pesaro World Cup Series
  • Hoop bronze, Kazan World Cup Series
  • Hoop bronze, FIG Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships (Izmir, Turkey), making her the first South Korean rhythmic gymnast to win a medal at the World Championships.
  • Gold medal, Individual All-Around, 2014 Asian Games; Silver medal, Team Event
  • Awarded the MBN Women Sports Award 2014 in Seoul
  • Voted Athlete of the Year (42% of votes)
• 2015:**
  • 4th place, Individual All-Around, Bucharest World Cup (72.050 points)
  • 1st place, Individual All-Around, Jecheon Asian Gymnastics Championships (72.500 points); Hoop 1st (18.150), Clubs 5th (18.000), Ball 1st (18.150), Ribbon 3rd (18.200)
  • 1st place, Individual All-Around, Gwangju Summer Universiade (72.550 points); Hoop 1st (18.000), Clubs 1st (18.350), Ball 1st (18.150), Ribbon 1st (18.050)
• 2016:**
  • 2nd place, Individual All-Around, Moscow Grand Prix (72.964 points); Hoop silver (18.283), Ball bronze (18.383), Clubs 4th (18.250), Ribbon bronze (18.133)
  • Individual All-Around silver, Espoo World Cup; Ball gold, Ribbon silver, Hoop bronze, Clubs 7th
  • Hoop bronze, Ball bronze, Lisboa World Cup
  • Clubs silver, Ribbon bronze, Pesaro World Cup
  • 1st place, Individual All-Around, Tashkent Asian Gymnastics Championships (73.750 points); also achieved a golden sweep in apparatus finals (hoop, ball, clubs, ribbon)
  • Individual All-Around bronze, Sofia World Cup (74.200 points); Clubs gold, Hoop silver, Ribbon silver, Ball bronze
  • 4th place, Individual All-Around, Guadalajara World Cup (Personal Best of 74.650 points); Ball bronze
  • 4th place, Individual All-Around, Kazan World Cup (Personal Best of 74.900 points); Hoop silver, Ribbon bronze
  • 4th place, Individual All-Around, 2016 Summer Olympics (72.898 points)
• 2021:**
  • Asia Special Award, Asia Model Awards

7. Personal life

Son Yeon-jae is an only child. She is also the second cousin of South Korean figure skater Yun Yea-ji.

8. Routine music and detailed results

9. Legacy and evaluation

Son Yeon-jae's impact on rhythmic gymnastics in South Korea is profound and widely acknowledged. She broke numerous barriers, setting precedents for Korean gymnasts in international competitions. Her consistent top-level performances at events like the Olympic Games, World Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships, Asian Games, Summer Universiade, and Asian Gymnastics Championships significantly raised the profile of the sport within a country where it was previously less recognized.

Her achievements, including being the first South Korean rhythmic gymnast to reach Olympic finals, win a World Championship medal, and secure an Asian Games gold, have cemented her status as a pioneer. She demonstrated that Korean athletes could compete and excel on the global stage in rhythmic gymnastics, inspiring a new generation of gymnasts. Beyond her athletic accomplishments, her post-retirement activities through Leap Studio and her roles in broadcasting and public relations continue to contribute to the sport's growth and accessibility in South Korea. Son Yeon-jae is widely regarded as a national icon who left an indelible mark on Korean sports history.