Korea House, operated by the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism during the Milan-Cortina d'Ampezzo Winter Olympics, welcomed a record 32,656 visitors over 18 days. This marks the highest attendance for a Korea House at any Winter Olympics. The venue, located in Milan, saw daily averages of 1800 visitors, with 75% being Italian locals. High-ranking officials from the International Olympic Committee (IOC), including Spyrros Capralos and Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr., attended the opening ceremony and visited the venue. IOC Athlete Representative, Won Yoon-jong, also held a press conference there. Korean merchandise and cultural experiences, such as traditional games and Hanbok try-ons, were popular attractions.

Michael Phelps, Adam Peaty, André Agassi, and Tiger Woods have publicly discussed the negative psychological impacts of elite sports, highlighting the pressure, loss of identity, and emotional exhaustion associated with pursuing Olympic and professional success. Their experiences reveal a broader pattern where early specialization and the demands of the international competitive system can overshadow personal enjoyment and well-being, even leading to feelings of emptiness and disconnection despite achieving peak performance. The experiences of these athletes underscore the need for a re-evaluation of high-performance sport models and their impact on athlete mental health.

Protests and political commentary marked Milano Cortina 2026, with athletes navigating complex issues and facing scrutiny. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) enforced Rule 50 regarding political expression, leading to athlete disqualifications. The events raise concerns about the intersection of sport and politics at future events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and Los Angeles 2028, particularly with Donald Trump's potential return to the White House. Athletes grappled with representing their countries amidst global divisions, while the IOC struggled to balance freedom of expression with maintaining a neutral Olympic environment.

The Korean delegation from the 2026 Milan-Cortina d'Ampezzo Winter Olympics returned home to a warm reception from fans at Incheon International Airport. Despite initial concerns about low enthusiasm, over 500 fans gathered to welcome the athletes. Short track skater Kim Gil-li, who earned two gold medals and gained the nickname 'Lambogili,' arrived in a Lamborghini Urus provided by Lamborghini Korea. The delegation achieved 3 gold, 4 silver, and 3 bronze medals, placing 13th overall, falling short of their goal to enter the top 10. Notably, Choi Min-jeong became Korea's most decorated Olympian with 7 medals across summer and winter games. New IOC members, Won Yun-jong and Kim Jae-yeol, were also highlighted.

The South Korean delegation, securing 3 gold medals and finishing 13th overall at the 2026 Milan-Cortina d'Ampezzo Winter Olympics, returned to South Korea today (February 24th). Led by Korean Sport & Olympic Committee President Seung Min Ryu and team leader Su-kyung Lee, the delegation, including representatives from short track, speed skating, and figure skating, arrived at Incheon International Airport. Short track skaters Min-jeong Choi and Dae-heon Hwang, who served as flag bearers at the closing ceremony, led the delegation, and athletes like Gil-ri Kim, a two-time gold medalist, were greeted with applause from numerous reporters and fans. Culture, Sports and Tourism Minister Hwi-young Choi congratulated Ryu and Lee with bouquets, praising the athletes' perseverance and fighting spirit. IOC member Yoon-jong Won, who returned with the delegation, expressed his commitment to contributing to Korean sports. South Korea achieved 3 gold, 4 silver, and 3 bronze medals at the 25th Winter Olympics. While failing to reach the 'top 10' goal, they surpassed the previous Beijing Games in both gold and total medals. Gil-ri Kim was named the team MVP, and Cho Ga-on's gold medal in snowboarding halfpipe marked a generational shift, alongside the achievements of young talents like Yu Seung-eun and Jong-eon Im.