North Korea has recently been swept up in a sports frenzy, all thanks to her. A 23-year-old table tennis player named Kim Kum-Song is quietly rewriting the history of North Korean sports with her unique charm. Despite having no endorsements, no fan clubs, and a monthly salary of only 300 yuan, she has shone on the international stage and become an idol for all of North Korea.
On October 13, 2024, at the women's singles final of the Asian Championships in Kazakhstan, the atmosphere was so tense it could be cut with a knife. Kim Kum-Song, this North Korean girl standing at just 1.49 meters tall and possessing a simple, student-like demeanor, stood in the center of the court. Across from her was Japanese player Zhang Benmei, another formidable opponent.
The match began, and Kim Kum-Song quickly entered the game, gradually taking control of the court with her steady defense and sharp offense. Zhang Benmei was not to be outdone, using her excellent speed and reactions to engage in a fierce battle with Kim Kum-Song.
In the crucial moment, Kim Kum-Song relied on her tenacious fighting spirit and outstanding mental fortitude to defeat her opponent with a score of 3-1, winning the women's singles championship.
As the joy of victory welled up in her heart, tears sparkled in Kim Kum-Song's eyes. She knew that at this moment, she had not only won glory for herself but also written a new chapter in the history of North Korean table tennis. This was North Korea's first Asian Championship singles title, a brilliant moment worthy of being recorded in the annals.
Kim Kum-Song's brilliance does not end there. In team events, she also defeated China's world number one player Sun Yingsha. In that battle, she used her excellent tactical arrangements and firm beliefs to narrowly defeat her opponent, winning a precious victory for the North Korean team. This achievement further elevated her fame, making her the focus of attention.
On October 14th, Kim Kum-Song returned home with her coach and teammates. At the airport, she heard an unexpected sound - Chinese netizens were calling out her name. At that moment, Kim Kum-Song revealed a sweet and natural smile, as if responding to this recognition that transcended national borders.
Netizens marveled that this North Korean rising star not only excelled in table tennis but also possessed a pure and simple heart. In today's materialistic society, Kim Kum-Song's purity is particularly precious. The scene of her coach carrying a plastic bag containing the trophy, both simple yet humorous, quickly sparked heated discussions online.
Kim Kum-Song's return was met with warm welcome by the people of North Korea. She became known as a hero, and her name is now a household word. In North Korea, Kim Kum-Song is not only an excellent athlete but also an idol representing the honor of the nation and the ethnic group.
Kim Kum-Song's success was not accidental; behind it lay countless hours of sweat and perseverance. In North Korea, where sports training conditions are relatively tough, Kim Kum-Song never complained. She understood that only through her own efforts could she change her fate and bring glory to her country and nation.
From a young age, Kim Kum-Song developed a strong interest in table tennis. She would get up early every day to start her training. On the training ground, she would sweat profusely, continuously practicing various technical movements. Her coach, a strict yet kind person, always paid close attention to Kim Kum-Song's training status, constantly guiding and encouraging her.
Compared to her brilliant achievements, Kim Kum-Song's income seems meager. As a top athlete in North Korea, her monthly salary is about 300 yuan. To many, this seems unbelievable, but in North Korea, this is already the highest level for top athletes.
It should be noted that in North Korea, the average monthly income for ordinary athletes is only about 100,000 North Korean won, which is less than 100 yuan in RMB. And the price of one catty of pork is about 20,000 North Korean won.
Despite this, Kim Kum-Song has never uttered a single complaint. She deeply understands that what she pursues is honor and dreams, not money and material possessions. This firm belief also allows her to be fearless and forge ahead on the court.
To Kim Kum-Song, table tennis is not just a sport but also a spirit and faith. She hopes that through her efforts, more people can understand and love table tennis, contributing her strength to the cause of North Korean table tennis.
Kim Kum-Song's victory not only brought her personal honor but also made all of North Korea proud. Her story quickly spread throughout the nation, becoming a topic of conversation. In North Korea, Kim Kum-Song's name is now well-known, and she has become an idol and role model in the hearts of countless people.
Kim Kum-Song has also attracted the attention of relevant departments in North Korea. It is said that to commend her outstanding contributions, North Korean authorities may award her with a series of generous rewards:
She will receive the honorary title of Meritorious Athlete and be assigned work at the Sports Bureau after retirement; She will be allocated a three-room apartment in the capital Pyongyang, allowing her and her family to live a better life; She will receive a private car for convenient travel and to demonstrate her status; She will receive six months' salary as a bonus to improve her and her family's living conditions; She even has the opportunity to meet the country's highest leader and shake hands with him.
These rewards are the best affirmation of Kim Kum-Song's efforts. For her, what is most important is to continue bringing glory to her country and nation, showcasing her strength and style on the court.
Looking back on Kim Kum-Song's journey, we can see that the reason she has become an idol for all of North Korea is not only because of her outstanding performance on the court but also because of her pure and simple heart and unwavering belief. She has interpreted with her actions what true athletic spirit and true national and ethnic honor mean.
In the days to come, we have every reason to believe that Kim Kum-Song will continue to write her own legendary story. She will contribute even more power to the cause of North Korean table tennis with even more outstanding performances. At the same time, she will also influence more people with a more positive attitude and actions, inspiring them to pursue excellence and create brilliance in their respective fields.
Kim Kum-Song's story is a chapter filled with inspiration and emotion. With her efforts and persistence, she has rewritten the sports history of North Korea, becoming an idol and role model for the people.
In the future, let us all look forward to Kim Kum-Song achieving even greater success and writing a more splendid chapter for the cause of North Korean table tennis. At the same time, let us draw strength and inspiration from her story, forging ahead to pursue our dreams and honors.
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