South Korean Olympic silver medallist pistol shooter Kim Ye-ji, who gained fame for her calm demeanor and distinctive appearance at the Paris Games, collapsed during a press conference on Friday, reportedly due to stress and exhaustion.
Kim, known for representing Imsil, a county in southern South Korea, was attending an event in her honor when she suddenly collapsed.
According to a county official, Kim regained consciousness before being transported to a hospital for further evaluation. Contrary to some media reports, the official confirmed that Kim did not receive cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) at the scene.
The 31-year-old shooter is expected to remain in the hospital for observation until she has fully recovered. The official suggested that Kim’s collapse was likely a result of exhaustion following her participation in the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Her performance in the Games, where she secured a silver medal in the 10-metre air pistol event, had garnered significant attention both for her skill and her unique style.
Kim Ye-ji became a social media sensation not only for her achievements but also for her futuristic glasses, which she uses to enhance her shooting precision, and her composed, cool demeanor, earning her the moniker “smiling assassin” in her home country.
Earlier this week, Kim received a notable mention from Tesla chief Elon Musk, who praised her on social media platform X. Musk suggested that Kim should be cast in an action movie, remarking that “No acting required!” This compliment further cemented Kim’s growing popularity and public interest in her unique persona.
Kim’s sudden collapse has prompted widespread concern and well-wishes from her fans and the broader sports community. As she recuperates, many will be following her recovery closely, hopeful that she will return to full health and continue to inspire both on and off the field.
