Seo Minkyu, the 17-year-old figure skater from the Republic of Korea, made history at the 2025 Junior Grand Prix Final in Nagoya, Japan. He became the first male skater from his country to win the prestigious title, surpassing world junior champion Nakata Rio in a thrilling competition. Seo Minkyu's performance was exceptional, as he achieved personal bests in both the men's free skate (171.09) and overall (255.91) categories. His free skate program, set to the music 'Exogenesis' choreographed by Olympic champion Patrick Chan, showcased his technical prowess. He executed a quad Salchow, followed by eight triples, including three in jump combinations, and received top levels for his spins.
Seo's triumph is particularly significant as it marks the first time a male skater from the Republic of Korea has won the Junior Grand Prix Final since Yuna Kim's victory in the women's event at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. Despite this achievement, Seo remains humble, acknowledging that he has a long way to go to match Yuna Kim's greatness. He expressed his excitement about achieving his personal best and delivering a perfect performance, promising to work even harder for future competitions.
The competition was intense, with Japan's Nakata Rio, the short program leader, falling to second place after the free skate. Rio attempted three quads in his program but struggled with the quad toe loop, losing points. He scored 163.22 for his free skate and 249.70 overall, finishing one spot higher than last year. The USA's Lucius Kazanecki also made a significant jump, rising from fourth to third place with a strong free skate performance, earning him 153.72 points and a total of 225.85 points.
This victory marks a new era for Korean figure skating, and Seo Minkyu's talent and determination will undoubtedly inspire future generations of skaters in his country.
