The South Korean women’s curling team saw their Olympic dreams arrive to an end on Monday, February 19, 2026, with a 7-10 loss to Canada in their final round-robin match at the 2026 Milan-Cortina d’Ampezzo Winter Olympics. The defeat means the team, ranked third in the world, will not advance to the semifinal stage of the competition.
The result concludes a mixed campaign for the South Korean squad, comprised of skip Kim Eun-ji, third Kim Min-ji, second Kim Su-ji, lead Seol Ye-eun, and fifth Seol Ye-ji. They finished the round robin with a record of five wins and four losses, placing fifth overall. The team had previously secured victories against Japan and China, bolstering their hopes of a playoff berth, but ultimately fell short.
A pivotal sixth end proved decisive in the match against Canada, with the Canadian team scoring four points to take a commanding lead. Despite a determined effort, the South Korean team was unable to recover. The 2026 Winter Olympics represent a significant moment for the sport of curling, attracting global attention and showcasing the skill and strategy involved.
Key Moments in South Korea’s Olympic Curling Run
South Korea’s journey through the round robin was marked by both strong performances and challenging matches. Their earlier victories against Japan, with a final score of 7-5 as reported by various sources, and China, a thrilling 10-9 comeback win according to the Korea Herald, demonstrated their potential. The win against China was particularly notable, as the team overcame a 7-2 deficit to ultimately secure the victory. Kim Eun-ji played a crucial role in the comeback, delivering a key shot to reverse a 8-9 score.
However, the team also faced setbacks, including a 3-6 loss to Denmark as detailed by the official Olympics website. These inconsistent results ultimately contributed to their fifth-place finish and elimination from medal contention.
Regional Stakes and the Curling Landscape
The 2026 Milan-Cortina d’Ampezzo Winter Olympics have seen intense competition in women’s curling, with Sweden currently leading the round robin standings with a perfect 6-0 record. The top four teams from the round robin will advance to the semifinals, where they will compete for a chance to win gold. The United States and Switzerland are also strong contenders, alongside Canada, highlighting the growing global competitiveness of the sport. South Korea’s performance underscores the increasing strength of Asian curling programs on the international stage.
The Canadian team, known for its strong curling tradition, will now move forward to the semifinal round. Their victory over South Korea secures their position among the top four teams in the tournament. The outcome of the semifinals will determine which nations will compete for the coveted Olympic medals in women’s curling.
Looking ahead, the focus will shift to the semifinal matches and the subsequent medal games. The competition promises to be fierce as teams battle for Olympic glory. The performance of the remaining teams will undoubtedly shape the narrative of the 2026 Winter Olympics curling tournament.
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