As international sporting events capture global attention, many athletes achieve overnight fame, with some even venturing into the entertainment industry. South Korean figure skater Cha Jun-hwan (차준환) is one such example. The 24-year-old skater not only boasts an impressive competitive record but also has a past as a child actor. Recently, his striking resemblance to Han So-hee (한소희) and Song Kang (송강), the lead actors from the K-drama “Nevertheless,” sparked unexpected buzz across Korean online communities.
Cha Jun-hwan began figure skating at age seven and competed in the South Korean Championships at ten, winning the junior division in 2011 and showcasing his remarkable talent. He steadily built his skills, becoming a prominent figure in Korean figure skating. He participated in the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics, but it was the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics that truly propelled his popularity.
During the Beijing Olympics, photos and candid shots of Cha Jun-hwan went viral online. His deep-set eyes, defined features, and handsome appearance immediately captured the attention of Korean netizens. To their surprise, many began to notice a striking resemblance between him and popular actors Han So-hee and Song Kang.
Some even humorously described Cha Jun-hwan as the “love child of Han So-hee and Song Kang,” joking that if the two actors had a child, they might look exactly like him when grown up.
As photos of the three were compared side-by-side, the topic quickly gained traction on Korean online forums. Many netizens were astonished by the comparisons, commenting: “Oh my god!”; “I was curious what everyone was talking about, but he really looks like a mix of the two”; “I clicked out of curiosity, and he really does resemble them”; “This title is hilarious, they look like a family”; “He really does look like them”; “I initially thought ‘Huh?’, but after seeing the photos… it’s true!”
Beyond his appearance, Cha Jun-hwan’s figure skating achievements are equally impressive. He won a gold medal at the 2024 South Korean Championships and a bronze medal at the Four Continents Figure Skating Championships in the same year. At the 2024 World Figure Skating Championships, he placed 10th despite not being fully recovered from an injury. He ultimately did not reach the podium at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Notably, Cha Jun-hwan is not just a skater; he also entered the entertainment industry as a child actor, appearing in several K-dramas including “The Return of Iljimae” and “Palace Land.”
He has now signed with Fantagio, the agency home to ASTRO's Cha Eun-woo (차은우), continuing to develop his acting career. Recent reports suggest he may join the cast of the new K-drama “Palace Land,” working alongside actress Woo Da-bi (우다비) and former MOMOLAND member Nancy. This has heightened anticipation for whether the “figure skating god” will officially transition into acting.
