Figure skater Lee Jae-geun sets personal best, takes second in Junior Grand Prix short program

Rising figure skating talent Lee Jae-geun has made a strong showing at the 2026-27 ISU Junior Grand Prix Series, setting a new personal best in the men's short program. Competing at the second event of the series in Riga, Latvia, Lee scored 83.20 points, surpassing his previous record of 82.41 set in September last year.

Lee's performance was marked by clean execution of his initial jump elements, including a triple Lutz and a triple Axel. He maintained his composure through the latter half of the program, which included a triple loop-triple toe loop combination jump, a level 4 change foot combination spin, a level 3 step sequence, and a level 4 change foot sit spin, concluding his routine successfully.

Currently in second place, Lee is narrowly trailing Japan's Takahashi Sena, who leads with 83.75 points. The slim 0.55-point margin leaves Lee well-positioned to challenge for the top spot in the upcoming free skate competition on August 29.

In the same event, fellow Korean skater Choi Ha-bin finished fifth in the men's competition after a fall during a jump, scoring 76.21 points. In the women's short program, Jang Ha-rin placed 12th with 56.01 points, while Japan's Mei Okada led the women's event with 72.47 points.