At the 2026 Milan-Cortina d'Ampezzo Winter Olympics, Choi Gaon (18, Sehwa High School), who became the Korean delegation's first gold medalist, received a heartfelt message from Baek Gaon (20), a K League 2 Busan IPark under-23 (U-23) national team forward.
Baek Gaon recently sent a congratulatory message on the club's official social media, saying of Choi Gaon, who won the gold medal in the women's snowboard halfpipe at the competition held in Italy on the 13th, "As someone with the same name, I am even more proud and filled with pride."
The name 'Gaon,' shared by both athletes, means 'middle' or 'center.' It is a pure Korean word that carries the meaning of becoming the center of the world. Just as Choi Gaon brought great joy to the public at the center of Korea's sports in 2026, Baek Gaon is also a player generating expectations this year.
Baek Gaon led the team to the semifinals with a skillful lob shot in the 21st minute of the first half in the quarterfinal against Australia at the 2026 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) U-23 Asian Cup held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on the 17th of last month.
Although the two athletes compete in different sports, there is a similarity in that Choi Gaon reached the top by beating Chloe Kim (26, United States), who was aiming for a third consecutive Olympic title, just as Baek Gaon is a leading figure in the team's generational change.
Also, the forward Baek Gaon, armed with his characteristic grit, is being spotlighted this season as Busan's promising player because he resembles Choi Gaon in his willingness to attempt high-difficulty techniques and bold penetrations—the "spirit of challenge."
At the end of the cheering video, Baek Gaon expressed resolute determination, saying, "I will also do my best in the opening match held at Gudeok Stadium." It showed a momentum that suggests he intends to lead Busan, which is aiming for promotion to K League 1 this season.
Meanwhile, after conducting pre-season training in Thailand and Jeju, Busan's opening match will be held on March 2 at 4:30 p.m. at Gudeok Stadium against Seongnam FC. Tickets will be available for pre-sale holders starting on the 24th and general sale starting on the 26th.
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