Photo: Korea.net / Korean Culture and Information Service (Korean Olympic Committee) / CC BY-SA 2.0 (source: Wikimedia Commons)

Kim Jae-bum

金宰範　/　きむ・じぇぼむ

Judoka from South Korea

January 25, 1985 (age 41)　・　Gimcheon, North Gyeongsang, South Korea

North Gyeongsang
judoka

My Take

Kim Jae-bum is, to me, a study in stubborn excellence. Dominating the 81 kg division while battling injuries throughout his career is no small feat, and his story climaxes beautifully: silver at his 2008 Olympic debut, then a 2012 rematch against Ole Bischof that he turned into gold. That four-year pursuit of redemption is the kind of narrative that makes judo more than sport. What moves me is not the medal count but his willingness to step onto the mat in pain rather than retreat. The Gimcheon native embodies a quieter, harder courage, and I find it deeply admirable.

Overview

Kim Jae-bum (김재범) (Korean pronunciation: [kim.dʑɛ̝.bʌm]; born 25 January 1985, in Gimcheon, Gyeongsangbuk-do) is a retired South Korean judoka. Despite being plagued with injuries throughout his career, Kim is known for dominating major competitions at the half-middleweight category (81 kg)—particularly between his Olympic debut in 2008 and his 2012 Olympic finals rematch against Ole Bischof.

Summary adapted from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

1. Profile

Name (English): Kim Jae-bum
Name (Japanese): 金宰範
Reading: きむ・じぇぼむ
Born: January 25, 1985 (age 41)
Zodiac / Chinese zodiac: Aquarius / Ox
Origin: Gimcheon, North Gyeongsang, South Korea
Blood type: Private
Height: 180 cm
Agency: Private
Occupation: judoka

2. Background

Elementary school: Private
Junior high: Private
High school: Private
University: Yong In University

3. Relationships

Spouse: Private
Children: Private
Parents: Private
Siblings: Private

4. Personality

Motto

Private

6. Links

Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/judo0060/
Wikipedia (Japanese)https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E9%87%91%E5%AE%B0%E7%AF%84

Judoka — see all →　·　More people from South Korea →