Rock Star of the Skating World Sets Sights on Korea Univ.

Kim Yu-na, an 18-year-old popular Korean figure skater, hopes to enter Korea University.

IB Sports, Kim’s management agency, said Tuesday, “Kim Yu-na decided to apply to Korea University for next year.” Kim, who has been courted by 10 universities in Korea, said, “It is the university I want to go to as I think it will best understand the challenges I will face as a figure skater. “

Kim added, “I chose Korea University because it has an ice rink where I can practice whenever I want, and its ice hockey team has shown special affection and interest in ice skating.”

When choosing a college, Kim considered its ability to support and understand the demands she has as a professional athlete. She said, “To participate in the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, I cannot study at college for a year. So, I want a university that can understand and accept that.”

Kim will apply for the second early admission decision and have an interview in October, and acceptance will be decided in mid-December when the Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final will be held in Korea. Korea University reportedly said that it will help Kim continue her figure skating and support her participation in the Winter Olympics while she attends the university, offering its ice rink for training.

kimsk@donga.com