On the road to the Olympics: a phenomenological approach of national identity in South Korean national short-track speed skaters

Abstract

This study adopted a phenomenological approach to explore both sociocultural and socio-psychological factors of South Korean national athletes competing in the Olympics. In the given phenomenon, South Korean media often portrays the importance of winning medals in the Olympics as a means of promoting social and national cohesion, and the society often expects and demands that athletes win medals in the Olympics to glorify their nation. When they fail to win medals, the society feels disappointed in the results. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to draw on empirical findings through qualitative interviews with 10 of the current South Korean national short-track speed skaters to examine their national identity to participate in the Olympics to promote new insights on national athletes’ holistic well-being.