Korean Canoe Champion Gives His Two Gold Medals to the Couple Who Raised Him

Nagoya, Japan — September 29, 2026

Kim Hyo-bin returned to South Korea with two Asian Games gold medals. But when he arrived at Incheon International Airport, he did not keep the medals for himself. Instead, he placed them around the necks of the couple who had raised him since he was nine months old.

The 25-year-old canoeist became the first South Korean athlete to win two gold medals at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. He won the men’s kayak four 500-meter event on September 24 before taking another gold in the kayak double 500-meter event with Cho Gwang-hee the following day.

The Couple He Calls His Parents

Kim was placed in a children’s home in Buyeo when he was nine months old. Lee Gong-heon and his wife, Choi Hyeon-suk, cared for him there and remained his family until he left the facility at 19.

Speaking about the couple after his victories, Kim became emotional and repeatedly called them his parents. He said that although he never experienced the care of his biological parents, the couple had given him extraordinary love and support.

When Kim returned home on September 27, Lee and Choi travelled from Buyeo to Incheon Airport with other members of the children’s-home family to welcome him.

Canoeing Helped Him Through Difficult Years

Kim’s childhood was not always easy. After entering high school, he was teased and bullied because he had grown up in a children’s home. He said he experienced a difficult period and struggled emotionally.

Canoeing, which he began pursuing seriously during middle school, eventually became an important source of motivation and helped him move forward.

After winning his two gold medals, Kim said he wanted young people and athletes who face circumstances similar to his to keep going rather than give up on their dreams.

Two Gold Medals, One Family

Kim had hoped to have his foster parents watch his races in Japan, but tickets for the canoeing events had sold out before they could attend.

Instead, he returned home carrying the medals he had won and placed them around the necks of the couple who had supported him throughout his life.

For Kim, the two gold medals represented more than sporting success. They became a way to thank the people he considers his parents for the years they spent caring for him and believing in him.

Sources

• The Korea Times — Kim Hyo-bin dedicates canoeing double gold to his foster parents — September 29, 2026.
• Hankook Ilbo — 보육원 부모님께 바친 금메달… ‘카약 2관왕’ 김효빈이 흘린 눈물의 의미 — September 28, 2026.
• Yonhap News Agency — (Asiad) Cho, Kim surprise gold rush with South Korea’s 1st Asiad double — September 25, 2026.