huh yunjin, twenty2, cis female, she/her. ─── 3, 2, 1 — action! everyone, we’re here at jincheon national training center, and this time i have with me our national gymnastics team’s very own hwang saerin. you might know them for being a 2019 worlds gold medalist in uneven bars and a longines prize for elegance recipient, but if not, don’t worry. they’re here to field all your burning questions. let’s dive right in.
thanks for joining us today. so, tell me…
what does it mean to you to represent the country on the world stage?
"cliche to say 'it means a lot', but... it really does," she starts with a chuckle, "i've literally been working towards this since i was born, so. i know some people will say i don't deserve it since i was chosen before and ..." she hesitates, exhaling through her nose before continuing, "ghosted everyone, and i don't have an excuse for that. not a good one, at least. i'm super thankful that i was given a second chance, and i'm gonna make it up by coming home with a gold medal."
what strengths do you believe you bring to the national team?
"so south korea isn't really known for gymnastics prowess, right? and that's because we're too focused on playing it safe. it makes sense considering how rigid of a sport this is. but i don't do that. i have a power that we've been lacking before, i like to push the boundaries, and i like to be a little bit dramatic. you can't do the same thing and expect different results, y'know?" and she gives a brief wink.
amazing. addressing a sensitive issue now: the rumors on “105fm.” could you shed some light on any concerning rumors you’ve heard about yourself?
leaning back, she rolls her eyes at the mention of the gossip account before crossing her arms, "... i guess. there was some post talking about how i was kicked from the team after drug use and all i could do was just laugh at it. like one, i was not kicked from the team, and that's something you could easily verify; two, drug use? we're drug tested all the time, that doesn't even make sense. i don't need that stuff to be great, thanks."
… and, i’m sure your supporters want to hear your thoughts.
what was your initial reaction to the anonymous gossip account targeting national teams training in jincheon?
"i mean ... shock of course. but while some things on there have turned out true and, y'know, actions have consequences, a lot of stuff on there too is false and that's unfair. i'd be livid if i through my entire life away to perfect my craft and it came crumbling down because of hearsay. but i feel like people don't care about that because they just want to see drama and that's really ... sad." she shakes her head, "do better."
i see, i see. i’m afraid that’s all the time we have. thank you so much, congratulations, and best of luck to you and your team. to wrap things up, can you give us a quote?
