ENHYPEN’s Sunghoon has been selected as a torchbearer for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics relay, becoming the second K-pop artist to take part in an overseas Olympic torch relay after BTS’s Jin. ENHYPEN’s “SHOUT OUT” will also support Team Korea. Check out the details below.
ENHYPEN’s Sunghoon Selected as Torchbearer at the 2026 Winter Olympics
ENHYPEN’s Sunghoon is heading back to the world that shaped him first, this time carrying a torchbearer, not wearing skates. On January 24, BELIFT LAB confirmed that he had been appointed as an official torchbearer for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics relay, following Samsung Electronics’ recommendation. For fans, it’s a ‘back to where it began’ moment where Sunghoon was trained as a figure skater for years before debuting as an idol, and now both chapters of his life meet in one symbolic role.
“Ice Prince”
Park Sung-hoon, known as ENHYPEN’s Sunghoon, began figure skating at age nine. For the next decade, he competed in Korea and abroad and earned the nickname “Ice Prince.” His achievements include:
- Two silver medals at the Asian Figure Skating Trophy
- Gold medal at the National Winter Sports Festival
- Reserve member status for South Korea’s national figure skating team
- Training alongside future Olympian Cha Jun-hwan
Despite his young age, Sunghoon was dedicated to skating. The documentary “Crayons in My Mind” highlighted his emotional toll as an elite trainee: conflicts with parents, frustration over setbacks, and the isolation of early-morning training sessions.
In 2018, BigHit Entertainment discovered Sunghoon on Instagram. That discovery changed Sunghoon’s career from a competitive figure skater to the idol he is today.
The Dual Path
At seventeen, unlike most young athletes, Sunghoon had to face a difficult choice. Should he pursue an established athletic career or risk everything on an entertainment opportunity? He chose both.
For nearly two years, Sunghoon trained as an idol trainee while continuing to compete in skating. His parents supported his activities in sports and entertainment. They believed that dance and expressive training could enhance his skating. His final figure skating competition took place in February 2020.
In the same year, Sunghoon auditioned for I-Land, the competitive survival show that determined ENHYPEN’s debut lineup. Global voters ranked him sixth, and ENHYPEN officially debuted on November 30, 2020.
From Competitor to Performer
As a member of ENHYPEN, the 23-year-old singer adds a unique quality to the group. During the K-pop competition, the judges praised his natural facial expressions. They also praised his ability to captivate the audience with even the slightest movement. His background has made him more precise, focused, and controlled in his performances.
Sunghoon combined his two identities, figure skater and performer, during ENHYPEN’s performance at the 2020 MAMA Awards. Later, he expanded his skills by becoming an MC for Music Bank from October 2021 to September 2022.
Beyond entertainment, he is also a brand ambassador for top brands such as Tiffany & Co. and L’Oréal Paris. And since 2025, Sunghoon has served as a promotional ambassador for the Korean Sports and Olympic Committee.
Sunghoon said in a statement,
“I recognize the passion and dedication demonstrated by the national representatives who have worked tirelessly toward the Winter Olympics, and I hold them in high regard and offer my full support.”
He continued,
“I once aspired to be part of the Olympics during my skating career, and I’m excited to be able to achieve that dream now as a singer.”
Sunghoon and ENHYPEN’s 2026 Winter Olympics Moment
Sunghoon’s role as the torchbearer at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics carries personal meaning. As someone who spent a decade training as a figure skater before pursuing music, he embodies something rare. That is the ability to honor his past while chasing his future. His story proves that we don’t have to choose between our old passions and new ones.
What’s more interesting is that Samsung Electronics didn’t just see Sunghoon as a K-pop idol. They also acknowledged his background as a figure skater. The athlete who shaped every aspect of his performance today. A decade as an athlete doesn’t simply fade away when he becomes a performer. It stays with him. It defines him.
Also, Sunghoon’s involvement isn’t limited to the torch relay. He was featured on JTBC’s Milano Cortina 2026 brand/broadcast song, collaborating with hip-hop duo Dynamic Duo on “Watch It, Feel It.”
Watch: “Watch It, Feel It” MV (JTBC brand song)
ENHYPEN’s track “SHOUT OUT” has been selected as Team Korea’s official cheer song for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
Watch: “SHOUT OUT” MV (2022)
Olympics.com reports that ENHYPEN and Worldwide Olympic and Paralympic Partner Samsung teamed up on a short film released on Olympic digital channels. In the video, the group creates a playful cheer to support athletes ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics, showcasing a lighter, fan-style way K-pop can boost Olympic excitement.
Watch: ENHYPEN’s 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics cheerleading team selection.
Looking Forward to Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics
As Sunghoon steps into the global spotlight as a torchbearer at the 2026 Winter Olympics, he stands not only as an idol and athlete but also as an inspiration to everyone who dares to pursue their passions. And ENHYPEN’s song “SHOUT OUT” delivers powerful support to Team Korea.
The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics is set to kick off on February 6, 2026 (local time).
So, what do you think about Sunghoon and ENHYPEN’s involvement in the 2026 Winter Olympics? Drop your comments below.
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