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Queen Seondeok of Silla reigned as Queen Regnant of Silla, one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea, from 632 to 647. She was renowned for her exceptional leadership, intelligence, and contribution to the arts and culture of Silla. Queen Seondeok’s reign marked a pivotal moment in women’s history, shattering gender norms and expanding the possibilities for women in positions of power.
Cho Min-sun (born March 21, 1972) is a former South Korean judoka who achieved great success in her career. She won two Olympic medals and was a world champion twice. Throughout her journey in the world of judo, Cho Min-sun faced various challenges and made significant contributions to the sport, leaving a lasting impact on society.
Lee Kyung-eun, known as Harisu, is a South Korean pop singer, model, and actress. She underwent sex reassignment surgery in the 1990s and became the second transgender entertainer in South Korea. Despite societal expectations, Harisu remained steadfast in her desire to live as a woman, becoming a trailblazer in transgender rights and recognition in the country. Her successful career in music and acting has opened doors and inspired others.
Kim Se-yeon, known as Geguri, is a South Korean professional Overwatch player. Renowned for her incredible precision in mouse movements, Geguri has become one of the most influential female gamers in the world. Despite facing controversy and gender bias, Geguri’s resilience and determination have made her an inspiration for aspiring female gamers. She made history in 2018 as the first female player in the Overwatch League, breaking down gender barriers and promoting inclusivity within the gaming industry.
Yuna Kim, also known as Kim Yuna or Kim Yeon-a, is a retired South Korean figure skater. Born in Bucheon, South Korea, she began skating at a young age and quickly showcased her exceptional skills. Yuna became the 2010 Olympic champion, 2014 Olympic silver medalist, two-time World champion, and a six-time South Korean national champion. Her artistry, technical precision, and unwavering determination made her one of the greatest figure skaters of all time. Yuna’s influence on the sport and society is still felt today, as she continues to inspire the next generation of skaters.
Kim Joo-won, born on 8 May 1977 in Busan, South Korea, is a renowned South Korean Prima Ballerina. She has made significant contributions to Korean ballet and has left a lasting impact on the dance community.
Ji-young Kim, born in 1978 in Seoul, South Korea, is a celebrated South Korean prima ballerina and principal dancer with the Korea National Ballet. Overcoming personal tragedy and setbacks, Kim’s unwavering passion for ballet and her determination to excel have made her an icon in the dance world.
Lim Hye-sook was born in 1963 in South Korea. She is a renowned Korean electronics engineering professor at Ewha Womans University, known for her exceptional contributions to the field of science and technology. Lim achieved a significant milestone in her career when she served as the Minister of Science and ICT under President Moon Jae-in from May 2021 to 2021, becoming the first woman to helm the country’s science ministry.
Lee Yong-soo, a former comfort woman from South Korea, bravely shares her painful experiences as a sex slave during World War II. Her testimony as one of the youngest living comfort women sheds light on the atrocities committed against thousands of women during this dark period in history. Lee’s unwavering commitment to seeking justice and her tireless efforts have made her a respected advocate for human rights and a symbol of resilience and strength.
Kim Soon-duk (1921–2004), also known as Kim Tŏk-chin, was a Korean comfort woman who became one of the best-known survivors due to her vivid paintings that depicted life as “comfort women.” She participated in movements against sex slavery, including the Wednesday Demonstration. She also traveled abroad to attend exhibits that displayed her paintings, participated in international speaking tours, and testified about her experiences.
Lee Soon-ok (born 1947 in Chongjin, North Korea) is a North Korean defector and author, known for her powerful memoir and her advocacy for human rights in North Korea. Her book, Eyes of the Tailless Animals: Prison Memoirs of a North Korean Woman, sheds light on her harrowing experiences of imprisonment, torture, and eventual escape from the oppressive regime. Her resilient spirit and unwavering determination to share her story have made her a prominent figure in the fight against human rights abuses in North Korea.
Chang Hye-jin, a former recurve archer from South Korea, made history by winning two Olympic gold medals in the women’s individual and team events at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. Known for her exceptional talent and skill, Chang also achieved success in other major competitions, including the World Archery Championships and the Asian Games. Her remarkable achievements have left a lasting legacy in the world of archery and continue to inspire future generations.
An San (Hangul: 안산; Hanja: 安珊, born 27 February 2001) is a South Korean archer who has made a significant impact on the world of archery. Competing in women’s recurve events, she has emerged as a dominant force in the sport, setting records and achieving remarkable success at a young age.
Kim Ji-yeon is a South Korean left-handed sabre fencer who has made a significant impact on the world of women’s fencing. With numerous accolades to her name, she is recognized as one of the most successful and influential fencers in South Korean history. Her victory at the 2012 Olympics, where she became the first South Korean woman to win an Olympic gold medal in fencing, solidified her status as an Olympic champion and inspired aspiring female fencers. Kim’s dedication and talent have paved the way for women’s participation and representation in the sport.
Jang Mi-ran, a South Korean Olympic weightlifter born in Goyang, Gyeonggi-do, has made a lasting impact on the world of sports. Her exceptional journey from a young weightlifter to a global champion is a testament to her unwavering dedication, resilience, and remarkable abilities, leaving an indelible mark on women’s weightlifting history.
Son Young-hee, a South Korean weightlifter, has made a significant impact on the world of sports. From her early beginnings to becoming a world champion, Son’s determination and dedication have paved the way for her success. She has inspired many young women to pursue their dreams in weightlifting, breaking barriers and contributing to the advancement of women’s participation in sports. Her positive attitude and unwavering commitment have earned her respect and admiration worldwide.
Se Ri Pak, born in Daejeon, South Korea, in 1977, is a former professional golfer who made a significant impact on the sport during her career. She played on the LPGA Tour from 1998 to 2016, becoming one of South Korea’s most successful golfers and leaving an indelible mark on women’s golf.
Kim Hak-sun (1924–1997) was a Korean human rights activist who courageously testified about her experience as a comfort woman for the Japanese military during World War II. Her testimony inspired countless others to speak out and seek justice for the atrocities committed against them. Her legacy lives on as she raised awareness about wartime sexual violence and advocated for human rights.
Song Sin-do (1922-2017) was a Korean former comfort woman who dedicated her life to seeking justice for victims of Japanese military sexual slavery during World War II. Her efforts raised awareness about the atrocities committed against comfort women and left an indelible mark on the history of women’s rights in East Asia.
Gil Won-ok, also known as Grandma Gil, is a brave activist and a former Korean comfort woman who has dedicated her life to seeking justice and recognition for the thousands of women who suffered from military sexual violence during World War II. Her experiences and resilience have shed light on the plight of comfort women, and through her activism, she has demanded an official apology from Japan. Gil Won-ok’s unwavering commitment and determination make her an inspirational figure in the fight for justice and the enduring strength of survivors.
Kim Bok-dong (1926-2019) was a Korean human rights activist who fought against sexual slavery and war rape. She was a victim of Japanese military sexual slavery during World War II, enduring eight years of abuse across different countries in Asia. Her experiences led her to become an advocate for justice and awareness, working to secure apologies, reparations, and corrections of Japanese history for “comfort women”. Kim Bok-dong’s legacy as a brave activist continues to inspire the ongoing fight for human rights.
Inbee Park, a South Korean professional golfer, has made a significant impact on the world of women’s golf. With numerous achievements, including being the youngest player to win the U.S. Women’s Open and winning seven major championships, Park’s skill and determination have solidified her place as one of the most successful golfers of her generation. She is not only a role model for aspiring golfers but also a symbol of excellence and resilience.
Kwang Hwa Chung is a South Korean physicist who has made significant contributions to physics and women’s representation in STEM. She has served as the president of the Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science and the president of the Institute for Basic Science. Chung’s dedication to gender equality extended beyond advocacy, as she established a daycare center in Daedeok Innopolis to support working women. Her pioneering work and advocacy have left an indelible impact on South Korea’s scientific community.
Ki Bo-bae is a South Korean recurve archer and three-time Olympic gold medalist. She began her archery career at the age of eleven and quickly rose through the ranks to join the South Korean national team in 2010. Ki’s breakthrough moment came in 2012 when she won two gold medals at the Summer Olympics in London. She continued to achieve success, winning more gold medals at World Archery Championships, Asian Games, and Archery World Cup finals. Ki is not only a talented athlete but also an avid learner, pursuing her academic goals and expressing a desire to contribute to the advancement of the Olympics.
Shin Ja-Park, a basketball legend from Korea, became a household name and an inspiration to aspiring female athletes worldwide. Her remarkable skills and achievements in the sport, including leading her team to a silver medal at the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup and securing multiple accolades in regional competitions, firmly established her as one of Asia’s most outstanding players. Park’s passion for basketball extended beyond her playing career, as she continued to contribute to the sport’s growth and success through administrative roles and committee work. In recognition of her exceptional contributions, Park was inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame Class of 2020, solidifying her legacy as a true pioneer in women’s basketball.
Hee Seo, the talented South Korean ballet dancer, has made a significant impact on the world of ballet with her exquisite technique and graceful performances. Born on March 13, 1986, in Seoul, South Korea, Seo’s journey to becoming a principal dancer at the prestigious American Ballet Theatre (ABT) is a testament to her dedication and exceptional talent.
An Se-young, born on February 5, 2002 in Gwangju, South Korea, is a rising star in the badminton world. She has achieved significant success at a young age, including winning the BWF World Tour title at the Super 300 New Zealand Open in 2019. An’s exceptional skills and dedication have made her a formidable competitor on the international stage.
Yi So-yeon, the first Korean to venture into space, made history with her space journey in 2008. Raised in Gwangju, South Korea, Yi’s passion for science and space led her to excel in her studies and pursue a career in mechanics. Her historic achievement has not only expanded our knowledge of space but also inspired future generations of South Korean astronauts.
Hyun Jung-hwa, a retired table tennis player, made a significant impact on the sport throughout her career. With her skillful playing style and unwavering determination, she achieved remarkable success at the 1988 and 1992 Summer Olympics. Hyun’s achievements in table tennis, both nationally and internationally, solidified her position as one of South Korea’s most influential players. Her powerful and precise playing style, along with her dedication and perseverance, continues to inspire aspiring athletes worldwide.
Kim Mi-jung (born 29 March 1971 in Masan, Gyeongsangnam-do) is a remarkable figure in women’s judo, a proud representative of South Korea, and a true pioneer in her sport.
Chloe Kim, the American snowboarder, has become a trailblazer in her sport. Starting her snowboarding journey at a young age, she quickly rose to prominence, winning her first Olympic gold medal at just 17 years old. With her remarkable skills and fearless approach, Kim has inspired many and shattered stereotypes, making her a true role model for aspiring athletes worldwide.