Han Ji-hye (Gyeonggi Provincial Government), the foster daughter of actor Jin Tae-hyun and Park Si-eun, finished fifth in the marathon final at the 106th National Sports Festival.
On Oct. 19, Jin Tae-hyun wrote on Instagram, "Our Ji-hye took fifth again at the 106th National Sports Festival, just like last year! Gyeonggi's Han Ji-hye, proud of you. You're awesome. Let's gain a lot of experience! This is the beginning," adding, "South Korea women's marathon, fighting."
On Oct. 19 in Busan, Han Ji-hye finished the women's open division marathon (42.195 km) final at the National Sports Festival in 2 hours, 43 minutes, 16 seconds. First place went to Choi Jeong-yun (South Chungcheong Provincial Government), who recorded 2 hours, 38 minutes, 18 seconds.
Earlier, sharing news of his daughter's entry, Jin said, "This race will not be broadcast live. So I'm going to cheer even harder. If you also send warm support together, Ji-hye, competing as Gyeonggi's representative, will not give up and will see it through to the end."
He added, "Rankings aren't everything. But for athletes, results and records can be everything. I earnestly hope she enjoys the reward of sweat that only athletes who run to the end and push past their limits can enjoy."
Jin Tae-hyun and Park Si-eun worked together on the SBS drama Hobakkkotsunjeong, which ended in 2011, developed into a couple, and married in July 2015. The two later received public support after they publicly adopted college student Park Da-bi, whom they met while doing volunteer work.
In January, they said they would take two people, including Han Ji-hye, as daughters. At the time, Jin said, "One has been with us since last year, and the other since long ago from an orphanage. One is an elite marathoner with the Gyeonggi Provincial Government, and one is a future nurse in Jeju preparing to become a nurse," adding, "This is not a legal adoption yet. Some friends are in situations where legal procedures are not possible, so for now we are living like family. Please watch over us kindly."