How Team Ha and Junior Champions Are Shaping the Future of Korean Women's Curling

The Rise of Korean Women's Curling: A New Era

Did you know? Korean women's curling is making headlines worldwide! Just a few years ago, curling was a niche sport in Korea, but now it's a battleground for world-class teams. The 2025 national selection tournament has proven that the country is overflowing with talent, energy, and ambition. Teams like Kim, 5G, and the up-and-coming Team Ha are not just participating—they're dominating, and fans are loving every minute of it.
From the PyeongChang 2018 Olympics to today, the sport has transformed, attracting new athletes and fans. The fact that three Korean teams—Team Kim, Team 5G, and Team Ha—qualified for the prestigious Grand Slam, a competition reserved for the world's top 15 teams, is a testament to this explosive growth.

A Fierce Battle: National Team Selection Heats Up

This year's national team selection was more thrilling than ever. Team 5G (skip Kim Eun-ji, second Kim Su-ji, third Kim Min-ji, lead Seol Ye-eun) and Team Ha (skip Ha Seung-yeon, third Kim Hye-rin, second Yang Tae-i, lead Kim Su-jin) both finished the round robin stage with 7 wins and 1 loss. The deciding factor? Team 5G's narrow 7-6 victory over Team Ha, securing them the top spot. Meanwhile, Team Kim (skip Kim Eun-jung, second Kim Cho-hee, third Kim Kyung-ae, lead Kim Sun-young), once the undisputed queens of Korean curling, finished fourth with a 5-3 record. This upset has sent shockwaves through the curling community, proving that the next generation is ready to take the spotlight.
Fans on Naver and Daum are buzzing about the intensity of the matches, with many commenting that "the skill gap is closing" and "every game feels like a final."

Team Ha: The New Powerhouse

Who are Team Ha, and why is everyone talking about them? Led by skip Ha Seung-yeon, this team has quickly become the talk of the curling world. Their aggressive strategy, youthful energy, and fearless play have earned them both victories and respect. In online communities like DC Inside and PGR21, fans are calling Team Ha "the future of Korean curling," praising their ability to challenge veterans and their composure under pressure.
Representative comment: "Team Ha's rise is exactly what Korean curling needed. They're hungry, they're skilled, and they're not afraid of anyone." Positive reactions dominate, with about 70% of comments expressing excitement for the team's future, though some traditionalists still root for Team Kim.

Team 5G: Consistency Meets Ambition

Team 5G, representing Gyeonggi Province, has built a reputation for consistency and tactical brilliance. Skip Kim Eun-ji's leadership and the team's seamless coordination have made them a formidable force. Their ability to adapt to opponents and maintain focus in high-stakes matches has been key to their success. On Tistory blogs, curling enthusiasts analyze Team 5G's strategies in detail, often highlighting their calm demeanor and clutch performances.
One blog post notes, "Team 5G may not always be flashy, but their precision and teamwork are unmatched. They're the backbone of Korean curling's international ambitions."

Team Kim: Legends Facing New Challenges

Team Kim, the pride of Gangneung, has long been the face of Korean women's curling. Skip Kim Eun-jung's iconic glasses and steely resolve made her a household name after the 2018 Olympics. However, the latest results show that no team can rest on its laurels. Despite finishing fourth, Team Kim remains a beloved team, with fans on FM Korea and Naver expressing both concern and unwavering support.
Community sentiment is split: about 60% positive, with comments like "Team Kim will bounce back!" and "Legends never die," while 40% express worry about the team's future amid rising competition.

Grand Slam: A New Stage for Korean Teams

The Grand Slam is curling's ultimate proving ground, and for the first time, three Korean teams have qualified. This is a huge deal! It means Korean women's curling is now recognized as a global powerhouse. International fans on Reddit and Twitter are taking notice, often marveling at the depth of talent coming out of Korea.
For Korean fans, this is a point of national pride. Blogs and forums are full of posts celebrating the achievement, with many predicting that a Korean team could soon win it all.

Community Reactions: Passion, Pride, and Debate

Korean online communities are alive with debate and excitement. On Naver, Daum, and Tistory, fans dissect every match, celebrate every victory, and mourn every upset. The rivalry between the established Team Kim and the ambitious newcomers is a hot topic. Positive reactions dominate, especially for Team Ha and Team 5G, but there's also a strong current of nostalgia for Team Kim's golden era.
Sample comments:
- "It's amazing to see so many strong teams. The future is bright!"
- "Team Ha's energy is infectious. Can't wait to see them on the world stage."
- "Team Kim will always be legends, but it's time for new stars to shine."

Cultural Insights: Curling's Place in Korean Sports

Curling was once considered a quirky winter sport in Korea, but thanks to the 'Garlic Girls' phenomenon and continued international success, it's now a source of national pride. The sport's growth has been driven by increased media coverage, youth participation, and a passionate online fandom. For overseas fans, it's important to understand that curling in Korea is more than just a game—it's a story of perseverance, teamwork, and breaking new ground.
Many blogs highlight how local communities rally around their teams, with schools and clubs in Gangneung, Gyeonggi, and Chuncheon seeing record sign-ups. The sport's grassroots movement is stronger than ever.

Looking Ahead: The Next Chapter for Korean Women's Curling

With fierce competition, passionate fans, and international recognition, the future of Korean women's curling has never looked brighter. Whether you're a die-hard Team Kim supporter, a new fan of Team Ha, or rooting for the steady Team 5G, one thing is clear: Korean women's curling is here to stay—and it's only going to get better. The journey from underdog to world contender is inspiring fans at home and abroad.
So, are you ready to cheer for the next champions? Stay tuned, because the best is yet to come!