How Park Si-hoon Became Korea’s ‘High School Thor’: The 20m Shot Put Record That Shook Korean Athletics

A New Legend in Korean Shot Put: Park Si-hoon’s 20m21 Breakthrough

Did you know that Park Si-hoon, a high school athlete from Gumi’s Kumoh High School, became the first Korean high schooler to break the 20m barrier in shot put? On July 7th, 2025, at the Baekje Wangdo Iksan National Athletics Championships, Park threw 20.21 meters, setting a new Korean high school record and stunning the athletics community. The previous record, also held by Park, was 19.81 meters, set just 16 days prior. His dominance is so pronounced that the runner-up, Lee Soo-hwan, finished with 15.94 meters—a gap of over 4 meters!
What makes this feat even more impressive is that Park has now broken division records 12 times across elementary, middle, and high school. He’s not just winning; he’s redefining what’s possible for young Korean athletes.

The Road to 20 Meters: How Park Si-hoon Trained and Overcame

Park’s journey is one of relentless self-improvement. Unlike many athletes who focus on beating their rivals, Park’s primary competition has always been himself. After setting a new record of 19.81 meters in June, he dedicated himself to breaking the elusive 20-meter mark. In interviews, Park has often said, “I’m not satisfied with just winning. I want to keep pushing my limits.” This mindset is rare and admired among Korean sports fans.
Training under the guidance of elite coaches and with the support of his school and family, Park has become a symbol of perseverance in Korean athletics. His nickname, ‘High School Thor,’ reflects both his physical prowess and the awe he inspires.

Community Buzz: How Korean Fans Reacted to Park’s Historic Throw

The reaction in Korean online communities like Naver, Daum, DC Inside, FM Korea, and PGR21 has been electric. On Naver Sports, over 80% of comments were positive, with users calling Park a ‘future Olympic medalist’ and ‘the pride of Korean athletics.’ Some representative comments include: “Is this kid real? 20 meters in high school? Incredible!” and “He’s on another level—can’t wait to see him in international competitions.”
There were a few skeptics, mostly questioning whether Park could maintain this momentum against global competition, but the overwhelming sentiment was one of national pride and excitement.

Cultural Insight: Why Park’s Record Matters in Korea

Korean athletics has long been overshadowed by sports like baseball, soccer, and e-sports, but Park’s achievement is a cultural moment. Shot put is not a mainstream sport in Korea, so breaking the 20-meter barrier is seen as a breakthrough for the entire field. For international fans, it’s important to understand that Korean sports culture deeply values perseverance and the breaking of personal and national limits. Park’s story resonates because it embodies the ‘fighting’ (화이팅) spirit that is so central to Korean identity.
Moreover, Park’s rise is inspiring a new generation of athletes to pursue track and field events, which have historically received less attention and funding.

The Fandom Phenomenon: How Park Si-hoon Became a Star

Park’s nickname, ‘High School Thor,’ didn’t just happen overnight. Korean fans are known for their creativity in giving athletes memorable monikers, and Park’s powerful physique and humble personality have made him a favorite. On Tistory and Naver blogs, fans have created highlight reels, memes, and even fan art celebrating Park’s achievements.
One popular Tistory blog post described Park as ‘the hope of Korean athletics,’ while another Naver blog analyzed his throwing technique in detail, drawing hundreds of comments and shares. This grassroots fandom is unique to Korean sports culture, where online communities play a huge role in building athletes’ reputations.

International Stage: Park’s Experience at the 2025 Asian Athletics Championships

Park’s journey isn’t just about domestic dominance. On May 29, 2025, he competed in the Asian Athletics Championships in Gumi, representing Korea as a high school student. Although he finished 12th with a throw of 17.47 meters, the experience was invaluable. Park himself said, “I wanted to do better than in the qualifiers, but I’ll use this as fuel to become even stronger.”
Korean media and fans saw this as a stepping stone, not a setback. It’s rare for a high schooler to even qualify for such an event, and Park’s participation is seen as a sign of greater things to come.

What’s Next for Park Si-hoon and Korean Shot Put?

With his eyes set on surpassing 21 meters, Park shows no signs of slowing down. His story is being followed closely by both Korean and international media, and there’s growing speculation about his potential at future Asian Games and even the Olympics. Coaches and experts believe that if Park continues on this trajectory, he could become the first Korean shot putter to compete at the world’s highest level.
For fans and aspiring athletes, Park’s journey is proof that with determination and the right support, even sports outside the mainstream can produce global stars.

Conclusion: Why You Should Keep Watching Park Si-hoon

Park Si-hoon’s record-breaking throw isn’t just a number—it’s a symbol of what’s possible in Korean athletics. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the world of track and field, Park’s story is one of passion, resilience, and the power of community. As Korean sports continue to evolve, athletes like Park remind us that the next big legend can come from anywhere—even a high school shot put circle in Gumi.
If you’re looking for an athlete to root for, Park Si-hoon is a name you won’t want to forget.