Apart from great music, a dynamic, thrilling movie industry, and enough visuals that it's a crime, South Korea has another trick up its sleeve when it comes to shining on the global stage, and that is “making world records”. You’d think regular people would be found here, but Korean Celebrities are also showing their star power deserves a world record stamp, and they are not slowing down anytime.

Let’s examine some of the most remarkable world records held by South Korean celebrities, which prove that they are always aiming for the top.

Yuna Kim

All hail the Queen of South Korea. It's impossible to talk about record breakers in South Korea without mentioning Kim Yuna (also Kim Yeon A)

Internationally acclaimed as the undefeated queen of figure skating, Kim Yuna had been racking in gold medals so much that pirates wished to be her. I think she could secretly be the “One Piece”. Popular for her grace, poise, and record-breaking superpower, she has broken around 13 world records in several categories in figure skating. One of which is the record for the ‘highest score ever’ in female figure skating at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver where she scored 228.56 points.

She is also the first female figure skater to win in all major international competitions: the Olympics, World Championships, Four Continents Championships, Grand Prix Final, and World Junior Championships. 

BTS

Being arguably the most popular South Korean boyband in the world with a literal army of fans across the globe, breaking world records is a regular Tuesday for this hot septet. While the perfect mixture of 7 super talented superstars who have touched the world with their music, personality, and aura is world record worthy, BTS side-stepped into this record-breaking game smoothly like butter, making record-breaking look like a side hustle since every single is a global hit.

Their single ‘Butter’ currently holds the record for the most viewed YouTube video in 24 hours having over 3.9 views within minutes of its upload and 108 million views within 24 hours. This record was formerly held by “Dynamite” but they broke and reclaimed their title. They were also the most streamed group of all time on Spotify and their songs, Dynamite, Butter, and Boys with Love have over 1 billion views. BTS album “Map of the Soul” also has the title of the best-selling album in South Korea and the first to be certified by Goan and Korea Music Content Association (KMCA) for surpassing 5 million sales.

They also broke the world record for having the most followers for a group on Instagram and the fastest group to reach 1 million followers on TikTok, a feat they won within 3 hours.

There are still many other records but it’s safe to say breaking records on and off scene is just how BTS rolls.

Son Heung-min

Although football is not necessarily a sport recognized with Korea, the Tottenham Hotspur star, Son Heung-min is making South Korea and Asia proud with his record-breaking moves on the football pitch.

In 2013, he became the most expensive Asian player in history after signing with Tottenham for 22 million Euros. He currently holds the record as the first Asian footballer to score more than 100 goals in the English Premier League (EPL), a feat that not only made South Korea proud but the entire continent of Asia. Son Heung-min also got the Premier League Golden Boot award with 23 goals becoming the first Asian player to win it.

As a player and current captain of Tottenham Hotspur and the South Korean national team, he is known for his amazing footwork, speed, and legendary assists and has led both teams to victory several times. He is seen as a symbol of national pride in South Korea and this status earned him the Cheongnyong Medal, the highest award merit given to South Korean Citizen for his achievements in football. Son Heung-min was also exempted from the mandatory military service after getting a gold medal for the country at the Asian Games.

We can’t wait to see what records he’ll break next.

Hwang Kwang Hee

Also in the league of record breakers is K-pop idol, actor, and TV host, Hwang Kwang Hee from the boy group ZE:A. He starred in dramas such as To the Beautiful You, and What Happens to My Family, and variety programs like Infinity Challenge. You probably think Kwanghee has a record for a feat related to music but no, dude gave us a real shocker. In 2011, he attended an environment day event in Seoul, participated in a cloth layering game, and surpassed other participants after putting on 252 layers of t-shirts, which earned him the world record for the most T-shirts worn by an individual.

Imagine leaving your house and returning with a world record, that’s just the star power of Hwang Kwang Hee.

Kang Ho Dong

Former wrestler turned comedian and variety host ahjussi is also on the list of celebrity record-breakers. Kang Ho-dong currently holds the world record for the longest time spent in shaking hands.

He won the record by shaking over 28000 people within six hours and 43 minutes with each handshake not exceeding less than one second.

Handshaking is supposed to help reduce stress but I doubt Kang Ho-dong felt that way as he revealed during interviews that his right hand was swollen to double the size of his left hand after the record.

South Korea is a country that never ceases to amaze us with its feats and accomplishments. Whether it's on the ice, the stage, or even the football pitch, they have shown they’re not just here to compete but to win.