Korean Paralympic Hero: "How I Became Stronger in Front of Rough, Big People..." Leadership and 'Difference' as Explained by Han Min-soo, Acting Director of the Sports Ethics Center [Interview ②]

*This content was translated by AI.

Han Min-soo (56), Acting Director of the Sports Ethics Center Lee (President), known as the 'Hero of Human Victory,' was famous during his active career for his extraordinary charisma. What is the leadership he speaks of?

In an interview with StarNews recently, Acting Director Han said, "When I first encountered ice hockey, there were many rough and large people. The way I became stronger in front of them was by setting an example."

Acting Director Han is a living legend of Korean Para ice hockey. He served as captain of the national team and played under the Taegeuk mark for 18 years. At the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Paralympics, he won a bronze medal, shedding tears of joy and becoming a major topic of discussion. He was also the final torchbearer at the opening ceremony, bringing emotion to the world.

How did he lead so many athletes as captain during his active career? Acting Director Han explained, "It was very important for a captain to lead by example. Only then did I gain the courage to tell someone, 'Why are you bullying the kids?' I was extremely strict with myself. That is why the athletes followed me." Ultimately, the core of the leadership he spoke of was leading by example first.

He continued, "In fact, I have very strong self-esteem. People around me often ask, 'You're approaching 60, so why are you still in such good shape?' I used to do weightlifting, and I still exercise. Having energy in the body builds confidence. Once you have a goal, you run to the finish. I consider finishing as success. Even if you achieve only 30% of your target, if you don't give up, it is success. Giving up lowers self-esteem. However, if you go all the way, you gain the courage to challenge again."

He is the protagonist of human victory. He climbed Seoraksan's Daecheongbong with an uncomfortable leg and also worked as a fashion model and bodybuilder, receiving great attention. Recently, he has been active as a new head coach for Para ice hockey, nurturing promising young players from middle and high schools. Currently, he works as a lecturer on improving awareness of mid-life disabilities, spreading dreams and hope to many.

Acting Director Han, who is coaching promising Para ice hockey players, recalled, "When I was with the Gangwon Provincial Office industrial team in the past, I was once shocked. Elementary school short-track skaters were training, and a coach was slapping the children's cheeks. Even though our players were watching, he did it. I must have been older than that coach; I was so shocked I wanted to curse. But what made me angrier was that the parents sitting on the second floor just watched without saying anything. At the time, I was so shocked that I even felt skeptical about why they were doing sports."

Acting Director Han added, "I am also coaching students. Of course, there are times when teaching becomes frustrating. But should we curse? The culture has changed now. If a student is late, I give them a verbal reprimand or assign more interval training. For example, 'You were 10 minutes late? While others ran four laps, you run eight.' If the kids play around, I use my voice to maintain discipline. Since we maintain discipline through rules without corporal punishment, order is kept. Now, coaches must change." He further emphasized, "Therefore, awareness improvement education is urgent. Teenagers are beings who must be protected. Building trust through fair and swift handling of matters in line with the purpose of establishing the Sports Ethics Center is the direction I believe we should become one team with our staff."

Acting Director Han said, "Until the PyeongChang Paralympics, I only thought about winning a medal. But after winning the medal, I found I had so many more things I wanted to do. I wanted to become a coach and continue studying. In between, I received offers to participate in bodybuilding competitions and fashion shows. I accepted them, but I also felt regret during the process. Still, I went all the way. I didn't know this would become my resume. In the process, I became an icon of challenge. In fact, I also consider the role of Acting Director of the Sports Ethics Center Lee (President) as a challenge. Thanks to the many who helped, I am adapting well." He expressed his gratitude.

Finally, in response to a question about his family, he said with a bright smile, "I have a wife and two daughters. My eldest daughter is 27 and majored in social welfare. My second daughter is 23 and studied jewelry design. She gave me a ring commemorating the PyeongChang Paralympics medal, which is my most precious treasure." He continued, "I do not want to see disabled and non-disabled people the same. I just want them to be recognized for their 'difference.' Even when I appeared at fashion shows, I wore shorts and revealed my prosthetic leg. Hiding it would make it seem even stranger. Revealing it allows me to be more confident. Just as there are fat people and people who wear glasses, disabled people are simply different. It is not wrong. Since 90% of disabled people are mid-life disabled, I want to give them courage." He concluded the interview.

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*This content was translated by AI.