CJ Group is supporting Team Korea at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games, providing financial, nutritional and emotional support to young athletes pursuing their dreams of bringing home a medal
While Olympic medals are often decided in fractions of a second, what often goes unseen is the long road that leads to those defining moments. To perform at their peak, athletes must rely on an intricate web of behind-the-scenes preparation, including nutrition, recovery and mental training.
For Team Korea, that critical foundation has been strengthened by CJ Group, an official sponsor of the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee (KSOC). With a deep belief in nurturing potential, CJ has built a support system that allows Team CJ athletes to focus fully on giving it their all on game day. As the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games kick into gear, CJ is committed to empowering athletes to pursue their dreams to the very end, through every challenge, setback and breakthrough on the world’s biggest sports stage.
Team CJ and the Dream Keeper Philosophy
CJ’s approach to athlete sponsorship is guided by its Cultural Dream Keeper philosophy — a long-term commitment to protecting and nurturing young people’s dreams at each stage of growth. The company focuses on long-term partnerships that provide the resources, stability and trust that athletes need to grow over time. CJ helps cover essential needs, from overseas training and competition travel to rehabilitation and daily living support. By easing these burdens, CJ creates an environment where athletes can devote themselves entirely to performance and improvement.
For the athletes themselves, the significance of this backing is deeply personal. Two promising Team CJ athletes embody this journey as they represent South Korea in the 2026 Winter Olympics, each chasing their first Olympic medal under CJ’s support.
Kim Min-sun, one of Korea’s leading speed skaters, has been sponsored by CJ since 2023. More than a mere sponsor, CJ has acted as a strategic partner to Kim — supporting her overseas training, international competitions and preparation for elite racing environments. Now approaching her third Olympic appearance, Kim carries not only experience but the confidence that comes from years of steady backing. Milano Cortina represents a chance to compete with no regrets — backed by years of preparation and trust.
“I’m preparing for these Games with more support than ever before,” Kim shared. “With CJ’s solid backing, I’ve been able to take the next step in my growth as an athlete. For my third Olympics, I’m determined to leave it all on the ice. This is the stage at which I want to push myself with absolutely no regrets. I’m determined to come home with a medal around my neck and a smile on my face.”
Choi Ga-on, a rising star in women’s snowboard halfpipe, is also looking toward the podium. After suffering a serious injury, she faced a long and uncertain road back. With CJ’s support, she was able to dedicate herself fully to rehabilitation and training, rebuilding her strength and confidence step by step. Milano Cortina will mark her first Olympic appearance, a milestone made possible by perseverance — and by a sponsor willing to believe in her potential beyond immediate results.
“I had a difficult time due to injury, but thanks to CJ’s support and encouragement, I was able to get back on my feet,” Choi expressed. “The Winter Olympics are a stage I’ve long dreamed of, and I want to show my best performance.”
CJ is supporting athletes with high potential and bridging the gap created by the high cost of international travel, enabling them to gain global experiences earlier and accelerate their development. In this way, Dream Keeper isn’t just a tagline — it’s an initiative created to help young athletes stay in the game long enough to reach their moment.
From Seoul to Milan: CJ’s Comprehensive Support for Team Korea
CJ’s philosophy extends beyond individual athletes to the entire Korean national team, recognizing that Olympic success is built collectively. From domestic training centers to on-the-ground support in Korea and Italy, CJ has worked to ensure that athletes are supported physically, mentally, and emotionally.
At the Taereung and Jincheon athlete villages on January 8 and 9, CJ operated a special “bibigo Day” event, providing carefully prepared K-food meals made with signature bibigo products for approximately 150 athletes and coaching staff. While offering nutrition and helping maintain athletes’ physical condition, the meals were also designed to boost morale during a period of intense training.
“For a moment, I was able to forget about the rigors of training and enjoy some quality time with my teammates, thanks to CJ preparing a special meal for us ahead of this important competition,” Kim said. “It’s a great source of strength for the athletes.”
CJ extended the support overseas in Milan, where the company provided soy sauce, kimchi, tteokbokki and more for Team Korea’s lunchboxes, helping athletes maintain consistent eating habits even during long stays abroad. The support is especially appreciated since, for many athletes, familiar food can be a powerful source of stability in an unfamiliar competition environment.
CJ also provided a “K-beauty-kit” from global powerhouse Olive Young for Team Korea, providing daily essentials to help the athletes manage their wellness, fatigue and overall condition. The kit comprises 18 products for skin, hair, body and dental care, as well as several snacks — forming a carefully designed collection to help make a meaningful difference over weeks of competition.
Furthermore, as an official KSOC sponsor, CJ has also established an exciting “Korea House” in Milan, a large showcase space designed to highlight the dynamism of Korean culture with visitors from around the world who have traveled to see the Winter Olympics. There, CJ is introducing its flagship brands like bibigo, Olive Young and CJ ENM, sharing K-food, K-beauty and K-entertainment while connecting sports, culture and everyday life.
Forging a Path to the Podium
Olympic results may be decided in moments, but medals are forged through years of dedication and hard work. CJ’s support goes beyond chasing records — it is a commitment to protecting athletes’ careers and honoring their dreams. By championing athletes, one at a time, CJ is dedicated to helping shape the future of Korean sports.
