There is a reason Kim Yuna’s name resonates so strongly even more than a decade after she left competitive figure skating. Mention it, and you’re likely to hear stories of her gold medal win at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, her near-perfect free skate at Sochi 2014, or the way she redefined technical excellence and artistry in the sport. From her record-breaking scores to clinching the World Championship title twice, Queen Yuna—as she is affectionately known to her fans—has indeed set the standards on ice. But beyond the medals and milestones, it was the calm poise and technical finesse she brought to every performance that left a lasting impression.
Interestingly, she doesn’t always see herself the way others do. “Strength and elegance… those were just aspects people saw when I was an athlete,” she notes. “In daily life, I’m just like everyone else.” These days, though the South Korean figure skating champion isn’t chasing medals anymore, she has not stepped away from the spotlight either. “I’m very grateful that even though I’ve retired, people still remember me and support me no matter what I do,” reflects the 34-year-old. “They know how many hardships I had to overcome. So while I can’t present myself as a figure skater anymore, I try to show professionalism in what I do as my way of repaying that kindness.”
Related article: Nine Puzzles Actors Kim Dami & Son Sukku On Disney+'s Latest Murder Mystery Hit
Whether mentoring young skaters or collaborating with fashion houses, she continues to move with the same thoughtful precision that once set her apart on the ice. There’s no hint of showmanship when Yuna speaks—just clarity. That same attitude filters down into how she supports the next generation of skaters in South Korea, watching their progress with genuine care. “When I see our athletes perform well, I feel joy. I hope they do better than our generation did, and I want to support them,” she shares. “Passing this great tradition from generation to generation is what I appreciate the most.”
It’s this calm consistency and the refusal to perform outside of her own terms that have earned her the moniker “Queen Yuna”. But what does it mean to represent something bigger than yourself? “When I was younger and travelling for training, not many people knew about South Korea. Now, when you say you’re from Korea, people greet you in Korean; they know our food, our sports, K-pop and art,” she says. “My role now is to do my best in Korea, even if I’m no longer on the national stage.”
Related article: Baby DONT Cry On Their Debut, First Impressions & Role Models
That sense of quiet pride carries through to how she sees fashion. On set for ELLE Singapore’s cover shoot, Yuna is calm, collaborative and patient. A wardrobe touch-up here, a lighting adjustment there—nothing seems to faze her. But what strikes you most is her gentle laughter when something feels awkward or unfamiliar. She doesn’t try to hide it but meets it with good humour and a willingness to try again.
Fashion has long been intertwined with her skating life. To her, costumes weren’t just aesthetic choices but tools of expression and storytelling. When she revealed a new costume, it often brought a wave of reactions from her adoring fans. Over time, she came to understand the power of visual storytelling, adding that the process of creating the costumes had also sparked her continued interest in fashion. “Designing them was always a shared process. My opinions were included, as were those of the designers, my coach, and my parents. Sometimes we had to remake them, and that was stressful.”
Related article: CRAVITY On Their New Album Dare To Crave, Gaining Creative Control & Their Most Memorable Moments Yet
It might come as a surprise but her favourite costume wasn’t the one from her Olympic gold-winning performance, but the look from her Les Misérables programme in 2013. “I chose everything myself—from the costume to the music to the choreography. It was just how I liked it. And the result was great, so it stays in my heart.” But she also remembers the creative stress that came with her exacting standards and expectations. “Sometimes the costume wasn’t ready in time. Or it didn’t fit well and had to be altered. We had to make sure it was perfect and comfortable. That experience made me think about clothes differently.”
Related article: NCT Wish On Fan Love, Chemistry, & Their Biggest Moment Yet
Since 2018, she has had the opportunity to further explore her fashion interests as a friend of Dior in South Korea. The partnership feels natural and Yuna is quick to note the parallels without overstatement. “One costume takes months, with so many details to think about. And after all that work, sometimes you have to tweak it again. That’s when I really saw the importance of detail,” she says. “When I work with Dior, I don’t see clothes as just something to wear, but as masterpieces that have been through a lot of hard work and obstacles. It’s an honour to work with one of the world’s best brands, and I try to match the image they pursue.”
Listening to her talk about her relationship with Dior, it is clear that what excites her is not the glamour that one sees from the outside, but rather the process. And what she enjoys most is the chance to try styles she wouldn’t usually put on. “Sometimes it feels like too much, but I challenge myself, and it opens up a wider perspective. So, it’s been great.”
Related article: Kelly Rowland On Levelling Up Her Industry: "When I Started In Music, It Was Designed To Pit Women Against Each Other"
Even off duty, fashion remains a quiet constant. Her everyday style leans towards simplicity. “Jeans are something everybody wears, but clothes that go with jeans fit me well,” she says. And the one thing she never leaves home without? “Lipstick. Even without make-up, I always carry it with me.” Her idea of a perfect day is refreshingly ordinary too, such as spending time with her family and friends or just enjoying a cup of coffee. “Sometimes the day just passes by doing almost nothing. Now that I have my own family, I enjoy taking care of the house. These kinds of days give me peace.”
When asked what she hopes people see in her today, Yuna shrugs off the question gently. “I think people have already recognised things like hard work and persistence. I don’t need to ask them to notice anything more. I’ve already received so much.” For someone once defined by medals and perfection, her dreams now are beautifully serene. “I’m looking forward to the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics, and to seeing our athletes do well,” she says. “And for myself, I just hope for my family’s peace, health, and happiness.”
Related article: In Shanghai For Audemars Piguet's 150th Anniversary, Music Producer Mark Ronson Is Focused On Synergies & Collaborations
She lights up slightly when we shift to a cheekier question: What’s the best part about being Kim Yuna? “I am always grateful for the constant support and warmth I receive,” she replies. “Even though my time as a competitive skater has passed, people still look at my career and achievements as an athlete with so much love.” Of course, as with everything in life, there are downsides to being Kim Yuna too, but she is remarkably sanguine about them. “For me, it’s probably that I became famous, so people recognise me in public and I get a lot of attention. But even that is a small thing. There are still more good parts than not.”
Related article: NCT’s Doyoung Opens Up About His Transcendent Return With Solo Album Soar
Make-up Artist YUNYOUNG KIM using Dior Beauty
Hairstylist SEUNG HONG
Talent Stylist REGINA SUH
Executive Producer ESTHER KIM
Production Coordinator CRYSTAL SANG