ENHYPEN member Sunghoon will take part in a historic moment as an official torchbearer for the 2026 Milan–Cortina Winter Olympics, marking a rare crossover between K-pop and the world’s biggest sporting event.
According to his agency BELIFT LAB, Sunghoon was selected on the recommendation of official Olympic partner Samsung Electronics and will carry the Olympic torch on February 6 (local time), ahead of the opening ceremony.
From National Figure Skater to Olympic Torchbearer
Before debuting as an idol, Sunghoon was a national reserve member of Korea’s figure skating team, making his participation especially meaningful.
Since last year, he has also served as a public relations ambassador for the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee, actively promoting sports and encouraging youth participation.
His unique background as both an athlete and an artist made him an ideal representative for the Olympic spirit.
Delivering a Message of Peace and Unity
BELIFT LAB stated that Sunghoon will use the torch relay to share a message of peace, friendship, and global unity, values that lie at the heart of the Olympic movement.
Only two K-pop artists have ever participated in an overseas Olympic torch relay — BTS’s Jin and now Sunghoon, placing him among a very small group of cultural representatives on the global stage.
Sunghoon Shares His Thoughts
Sunghoon expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity, saying he understands the dedication of athletes preparing for the Olympics and feels honored to support them.
“Competing in the Olympics was once my dream as an athlete,” he said. “Being part of it now as a singer feels like a dream coming true.”
ENHYPEN’s Continued Global Success
Meanwhile, ENHYPEN continues to dominate the charts. Their latest mini album “THE SIN : VANISH” sold over 2.07 million copies in its first week, becoming the group’s fourth double-million seller.
With Olympic participation and record-breaking sales, Sunghoon and ENHYPEN are expanding their influence beyond music into global culture and sports.