The reason why Lim Hyo-jun became a naturalized Chinese citizen, the truth about the sexual harassment incident with Hwang Dae-heon, and the possibility of regaining Korean citizenship, all summarized at a glance! Lim Hyo-jun, a former short track star, is he now active as Lin Xiaojun? We will also tell you about the 2025 Harbin Asian Games!

1. Lim Hyo-jun, who is he?

Lim Hyo-jun Lin Xiaojun was once the pride of South Korea's short track speed skating. He was at the peak of his career, winning a gold medal at the Pyeongchang Olympics, but has now chosen Chinese citizenship.

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Major career

But the situation changed drastically in 2019 when the incident with Hwang Dae-heon broke out.

2. Hwang Dae-heon sexual harassment case, what really happened?

In June 2019, the national short track team was training at the Jincheon Athletes’ Village. At the time, the atmosphere was one of light-hearted jokes, but during the process, an incident occurred between Lim Hyo-jun and Hwang Dae-heon.

- Hwang Dae-heon: During rock climbing training, he punched a female athlete in the buttocks.
- Lim Hyo-jun: While trying to play a similar prank, he grabbed Hwang Dae-heon's pelvis, causing his pants to fall down → exposing part of his buttocks.
- Immediate Apology: Lim Hyo-jun waited 30 minutes after the incident and apologized to Hwang Dae-heon.

Developments after the incident
- Hwang Dae-heon reported the incident to the Korea Skating Union
- The federation said , “If it’s sexual harassment, aren’t both of them included?” and expelled all 14 members of the national team.
- Afterwards, Hwang Dae-heon officially claimed damages and began legal proceedings.

Afterwards, Lim Hyo-jun received a one-year suspension and eventually decided to become a naturalized Chinese citizen in 2020.

3. Legal battle and final not guilty verdict

Lim Hyo-jun was charged with sexual assault due to this incident.

Summary of the litigation process
- 1st trial (May 7, 2020): 3 million won fine + disqualification from playing + disqualification from gold medal pension
- 2nd trial (2020.11.27): Not guilty verdict
- Supreme Court (2021.05.27): Final acquittal

The verdict also emphasized that “it is unclear whether the victim even recognized this as sexual assault.” However, he was already unable to continue his career as an athlete due to the disciplinary action, and ultimately decided to go to China.

4. Lim Hyo-jun, why did you choose to naturalize in China?

After the incident , Lim Hyo-jun was unable to even train. He received love calls from Europe and China, but Europe did not offer him a national team position, and China gave him the opportunity to work as a player and coach.

Summary of Reasons for Naturalization in China
- Unable to play in Korea due to disciplinary action
- A situation where you can't even train
- Opportunity to play as a representative in China
- Seeking a chance to compete in the Beijing Olympics

In March 2021, he officially announced his naturalization in China. Ironically, two months later (May 2021), the Supreme Court found him not guilty. From then on, people began to react, saying, “It’s so unfair.”

5. Lim Hyo-jun in China

Reaction in China
- Triple gold medalist at the 2024 ISU World Championships
- Idol-like popularity among short track fans in China
- However, some Chinese netizens are on the alert, saying, “There is a possibility of regaining Korean citizenship.”

Lim Hyo-jun's pro-China remarks controversy
- “Chinese women are prettier than Korean women” statement
- “Wait for me to come back, I will stand shoulder to shoulder with you” (after Hwang Dae-heon’s gold medal)

Because of this remark, the reaction from Korean fans became much colder.

6. Can Lim Hyo-jun regain his Korean citizenship?

Although he is currently a Chinese citizen, it is not impossible to regain his Korean citizenship. However, there are a few problems.

Problems with Restoring Korean Citizenship
- Military service issue: Failure to fulfill military service privileges after naturalization
- Worsening relationship with the Skating Union: Difficulty in returning to the national team
- Fan reaction: Domestic public opinion is not good due to pro-China remarks

Realistically, it is unlikely that Lim Hyo-jun will choose Korean citizenship again.
It is more likely that you will continue your career in China.

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