The Republic of Korea’s women’s curling team saw their Olympic dreams dashed on Wednesday, February 19th, falling to a 7-10 defeat against Canada in their final round-robin match at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. The loss eliminates the Korean team from contention for a medal, concluding their run at the Cortina d’Ampezzo Curling Stadium.
Entering the game with a 4-4 record, a win against the world number two ranked Canadian team was crucial for Korea to secure a spot in the semifinals. Despite a strong showing throughout the tournament, including a 10-5 victory against China on February 16th, they ultimately finished fifth in the standings with a final record of 5 wins and 4 losses. The top four teams – Sweden (7-2), the United States, Switzerland, and Canada (all 6-3) – will advance to the playoff round.
The Korean team, skipped by Kim Eun-ji, fought valiantly but couldn’t overcome Canada’s precision and strategic play. The match was closely contested, but Canada maintained a slight edge throughout, capitalizing on key opportunities to build their lead. According to reports, the Korean players were visibly emotional after the match, expressing disappointment but as well pride in their performance.
This marks the end of a promising Olympic campaign for the Korean women’s curling team, who had previously achieved a silver medal at the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics. Their performance in Milan-Cortina showcased their growing strength and potential on the international stage. The team consists of Kim Eun-ji (Skip), Kim Min-ji (Third), Kim Su-ji (Second), Seol Ye-eun (Lead), and Seol Ye-ji (Alternate).
Canada’s team, led by Rachel Homan, proved to be a formidable opponent throughout the tournament. The official Olympics profile details Canada’s performance and roster, which includes Tracy Fleury, Emma Miskew, Sarah Wilkes, and Rachel Brown.
The Korean team’s journey at the 2026 Winter Olympics included wins against Denmark (10-4 on February 12th), the United States (9-8 on February 13th), and Japan (9-6 on February 16th), as well as a narrow defeat of Italy (8-7 on February 18th). Though, losses to the United States, Great Britain, Switzerland, and ultimately Canada proved decisive.
The semifinals will feature Sweden, the United States, Switzerland, and Canada, all vying for a chance to compete for the gold medal. The competition is expected to be fierce as these top teams battle for Olympic glory.
Looking ahead, the Korean women’s curling team will undoubtedly analyze their performance at the Milan-Cortina Games to identify areas for improvement and prepare for future international competitions. Their dedication and skill continue to position them as a rising force in the world of curling.
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