Cha Jun-hwan, 24, South Korea's top men's singles figure skater, is suspending his competitive career.
Cha said on his social media account on the 12th that he had given a great deal of thought to his future after finishing last season. "After long deliberation, I have decided not to continue as a national team member or compete in events this season," he said.
"My contract with the Seoul city team has also been wrapped up after thorough discussions with the Seoul Metropolitan Government," he said. "I am sincerely grateful to the city and to the officials of the Seoul city skating team who trusted me and supported me without reservation."
"For now, I intend to do my best at the tasks in front of me while carefully considering what shape my path forward will take," he added. "I am truly thankful to everyone who has always cheered for me and given me strength. I will greet you again in good form."
At the 2026 Milan-Cortina d'Ampezzo Winter Olympics in February, Cha finished fourth in men's singles figure skating, the best result ever by a South Korean male skater. He missed a medal by 0.98 points. After the Games, he denied reports of retirement, saying he had never called it a last dance, and he sat out the World Championships in March because of an injury.
In April, he announced a management contract with the entertainment agency Fantagio, and from May he starred in the ice show "Solo Leveling on ICE."
He had been invited to the Cup of China, the third event of the 2026-2027 International Skating Union (ISU) Grand Prix series, and the NHK Trophy, the sixth event, but he is expected to withdraw from both following this decision.