Naju, Korea, August 20, 2024: Korea’s Olympic shooting silver medalist Kim Ye-ji said on Tuesday that she was open to other activities, provided they help raise the profile of her sport, Yonhap News reports.
Kim emerged from the recent Paris Olympics as one of the most popular Korean athletes, not because of her silver medal in the women's 10-meter air pistol event but thanks to a clip from an earlier competition that went viral on social media during the Olympics.
Kim, 31, became an overnight sensation when Elon Musk, owner of X, commented on a posting on his social media platform: "She should be cast in an action movie. No acting required!"
Kim ended up signing with Seoul-based casting agency Plfil on Monday. The company said the athlete had a series of corporate endorsement opportunities lined up and that it would also help Kim net roles in films or TV series. In addition, Kim has been booked for a photo shoot with global luxury brand Louis Vuitton on Friday.
"I've received offers for commercials and appearances in TV shows. I understand a U.S. company also reached out. As long as they don't affect my competition and training schedule, I'll do them," Kim said at a press conference during the Bonghwanggi National Shooting Competition in Naju, 280km south of Seoul.
"I'd like the general public to take more interest in shooting. I signed with the agency because I didn't think I could handle all of those offers myself," Kim added.
The viral video shows Kim breaking the world record in the 25m pistol during a World Cup event in Baku in May, all the while maintaining a cool, detached look that many felt gave off an action star vibe.
Kim said she understands that even for Olympic medalists in a sport like shooting, popularity can be fleeting. But she will try to stay in people's consciousness as long as she can with her activities away from the range.
"I felt that there was only so much I could do to promote this sport just by going to competitions and setting records," Kim said. "Even with my Olympic medal, my name will be forgotten soon. But if I do appearances, then I think people will remember me and they will be reminded of the sport of shooting.”
Kim added that the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan in 2026 was a big part of her preparation for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.