Sports · Other Sports · 4 hrs ago
Japanese outlet draws criticism for comments on Kim Yuna’s appearance
A Japanese sports website featured former figure skater Kim Yuna’s recent social media photos and used headlines questioning whether her face had changed.
Kim, a South Korean athlete, retired after winning silver at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics.
The website contrasted her relaxed everyday appearance with her powerful image as a competitor and cited reactions about her looks.
South Korean fans criticized the coverage as unnecessarily focused on her appearance.
Some Japanese users also praised Kim or questioned whether such a story was needed.
The criticism centers on how a famous athlete’s ordinary photos were presented, not simply on the website taking an interest in her life.
Kim remains a well-known public figure, and the coverage reflects continuing attention to her life after retirement.
The sources do not describe any further response or next step.
Japanese sports outlet Nishi Sports Web drew criticism for headlines highlighting former figure skater Kim Yuna’s appearance.
Its coverage paired images of Kim from 2007 and more recent photos and used phrases including “Can’t tell who it is anymore.”
South Korean fans objected to the focus on her looks and questioned whether the comparison was needed.
Some Japanese online commenters also criticized the coverage, while others praised Kim’s appearance or said she had not changed much.
The articles report that the outlet published coverage of Kim’s recent social media photos on October 19, with one report also describing an article posted on October 18.
- Who
- Nishi Sports Web, a Japanese sports media outlet, published the coverage. Former figure skater Kim Yuna was the subject.
- What
- The outlet highlighted Kim’s appearance and changes in her looks in coverage of her photos. The coverage drew criticism, especially from South Korean fans.
- When
- The articles appeared on October 18 and 19, 2026. One report says Kim posted the photos on October 14.
- Where
- The coverage appeared on Nishi Sports Web in Japan and concerned photos Kim shared on social media.
- Why
- The outlet’s headlines and comments about Kim’s appearance prompted criticism that the coverage encouraged unnecessary appearance-based judgment.
South Korean fans and critics
Nishi Sports Web and commenters who viewed the remarks as benign
Aspect
South Korean fans and critics
South Korean fans and critics’ view
Nishi Sports Web and commenters who viewed the remarks as benign
Nishi Sports Web and commenters who viewed the remarks as benign
Purpose of coverage
South Korean fans and critics
Pairing older and recent photos and emphasizing changes in Kim’s appearance was unnecessary and provocative.
Nishi Sports Web and commenters who viewed the remarks as benign
The outlet presented interest in Kim’s private daily life and described reactions to her photos.
Meaning of comments
South Korean fans and critics
Phrases such as “Can’t tell who it is anymore” amount to unwanted judgment of her looks.
Nishi Sports Web and commenters who viewed the remarks as benign
Some commenters saw the remarks as surprise at a changed atmosphere, while other Japanese users said Kim looked beautiful or had not changed much.
Kim Yuna posted the social media photos that Nishi Sports Web later covered, according to Xports News.
Nishi Sports Web published an article pairing a 2007 photo of Kim with a recent photo, according to iMBC Entertainment.
Nishi Sports Web published coverage of Kim’s recent social media photos, according to OSEN and Xports News.
OSEN and Xports News reported on the Japanese outlet’s coverage and the criticism it prompted.
- Subject
- Former figure skater Kim Yuna
- Japanese outlet
- Nishi Sports Web
- Earlier photo
- Kim pictured in 2007
- Social media post date
- October 14, 2026
- Coverage dates
- October 18 and 19, 2026
- Olympic retirement
- Kim retired after winning silver at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics
3 sources
What people are saying
Don’t touch Queen Yuna
Now I can’t tell who it is anymore
It doesn’t seem like she has changed much