Shin Yu-bin Steps Up: From 'Chick' to Backbone of Korea's Table Tennis Team

The Dong-A Ilbo celebrates the growth and maturity of table tennis star Shin Yu-bin, who has transitioned from the "chick" of the team to a vital "backbone" of the national squad. As South Korea's table tennis team gears up for the 2026 ITTF World Team Championships in London, Shin Yu-bin, at 22, stands as a seasoned player, embodying the team's hopes and future. Her journey reflects a significant shift within the team, especially after the retirement of veterans Jeon Ji-hee and Seo Hyo-won, making way for younger talents like Kim Na-young and Park Ga-hyun.

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As new players have joined, there have been many changes in the team composition. I feel there are parts that are different from before.

Shin Yu-bin's perspective, shared at the media day in Jincheon, highlights her newfound sense of responsibility. She acknowledges the pressure that comes with being a senior player, a sentiment previously held by her mentors. "I think I understand a little bit now the pressure the older players felt," she remarked, drawing parallels to the esteemed careers of Jeon Ji-hee and Seo Hyo-won. This self-awareness and ambition signal her readiness to lead and inspire the next generation of Korean table tennis.

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We often eat delicious food together with the younger players and tell each other, 'Let's not get hurt.'

Her recent bronze medal at the ITTF World Cup, where she notably defeated China's Chen Xingtong with a commanding 11-0 game score, underscores her rising international competitiveness. Shin Yu-bin's focus remains on continuous improvement and achieving a team medal at the World Championships, a goal that has eluded the team thus far. This dedication, coupled with her leadership aspirations, positions her as a central figure in Korean table tennis, embodying the nation's pride and ambition on the global stage.

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It might be a bit funny for me to say this, but I think I understand a little bit now the pressure the older players felt.