The 2024 Paris Olympics have given rise to new internet sensations, including South Korean sharpshooter Kim Yeji. The 31-year-old athlete has taken the world by storm with her captivating performances and undeniable cool factor.
Kim’s silver medal finish in the 10-metre air pistol event on Sunday was impressive enough, but it was an older video of her competing in Azerbaijan in May that truly set the internet ablaze. The footage, which has amassed over seven million views on X, formerly known as Twitter, showcases Kim’s focus and precision as she casually breaks a world record.
Appearing in a backwards cap and futuristic shooting glasses, Kim’s steely gaze and nonchalant reaction to her record-setting performance have endeared her to fans around the globe. “She’s impossibly cool, casually breaks world records and is the internet’s latest darling,” remarked one awestruck observer.
Adding to her allure, Kim’s effortless style has also caught the attention of social media users, with her sleek Fila jacket, Sauer shooting shoes, and the playful stuffed elephant hanging from her pocket all earning praise.
As the world watches in awe, Kim Yeji has firmly cemented her status as a rising star in the world of competitive shooting.
A viral image shared on X by the account Women Posting W’s has perfectly encapsulated Kim’s magnetic allure. The photo, which has been liked over 300,000 times, shows the 31-year-old Olympian leaning back with one hand resting on her hip and the other casually holding a pistol, her ponytail flicking out from the back of her cap. The caption proclaimed it the “most aura I have ever seen in an image.”
Fans have been quick to applaud Kim’s “main character energy,” with many declaring her the ultimate “mother” – the highest form of internet praise. Even X’s owner, Elon Musk, has chimed in, suggesting that Kim “should be cast in an action movie.”
A first-time Olympian, she showcased her world-class skills on Sunday, capturing the silver medal in the 10-meter air pistol event, with her 19-year-old teammate Oh Ye Jin taking the gold.
