Haein Lee: Ready for the future

The 2023 World Silver Medalist is back!

The summer of 2024 could only be described as a nightmare for Korean figure skater Haein Lee. She was suspended by her federation for three years due to allegations of sexual harassment involving a minor skater and alcohol consumption during a training camp. However, Lee successfully appealed her suspension. A court found the accusation of sexual harassment to be unfounded. Since November 2024, the 19-year-old has been allowed to compete again, securing spots for both the Four Continents Championships and the World Championships in Boston. Her motto now: Only look forward!

In December, Lee visited Germany for the first time in her life. She performed at Daniel Weiss’s ice galas and prepared for the Korean National Championships over Christmas in Oberstdorf. That’s where we met Haein Lee for an interview.

Welcome to Oberstdorf! How do you like Germany?

Haein: The ice here in Oberstdorf is fantastic, and I was really excited about the snow because we don’t see it that often in Korea. It was wonderful to see snow every day. I prepared for the Korean Championships here in Oberstdorf, and it was a great experience. I also noticed how kind everyone was. For example, I went to a pizza place, and of course, I didn’t understand any German. But people were so nice and helped me and explained everything. That was such a nice experience.