“So while she didn’t win gold, she’s definitely won our hearts and the runway,” says fashion-focused TikToker stylebykvn about Kim Yeji. So, who is Kim Yeji? She’s the South Korean mother and silver medallist who stormed the Paris Olympics. Known for her impressive performance and striking presence, Kim Yeji has won over fans and fashionistas. The 31-year-old pistol shooter became a viral sensation after winning her silver medal at the Paris Olympics.

The Korean shooter finished just behind Oh Ye Jin for gold. Kim Yeji caught everyone’s eye with her sci-fi-inspired look at the event. Her bespoke glasses and boss-lady attitude made a strong impression. Yet, her little girl’s stuffed elephant toy, which she carried as a lucky charm, revealed where she drew her strength from. So fans are excited to know about this fantastic mother with sharpshooting skills.

Meet Korean sharpshooter Kim Yeji

The 31-year-old pistol shooter from Korea goes viral on social media after her bagging of the silver medal in a 10-meter air pistol shooting. The 1992-born Kim was first seen on the international platform in the Asian shooting championship in 2024, getting a silver in 25 meters. Immediately after, she tries her aim at the ISSF World Cup 2024. And now she again bags a silver medal in the Olympics. Clearly, Kim is showing her stance right from the beginning. 

This time, Kim wore her hair in a short ponytail. While her no-nonsense expression gets much attention, she has a softer side. Viewers noticed she competed with a small stuffed elephant in her back pocket, which, according to the Olympics, belongs to her daughter. Kim also showed her caring nature by supporting her teammate Oh Ye-jin, 19, who won gold. “She is like my youngest sibling, and I always want to care for her and always be there for her. So, when she won the gold medal, I was extra happy,” Kim said.

The badass attitude and cold aura on her face are impressing millions of hearts. At the same time, the caring side of a mother is also not going unnoticed. Kim brings her daughter’s toy with her as a lucky charm in every competition. The 25m pistol shooting event of the Paris Olympics on 2 August also witnessed the same as she entered with a stuffed elephant hanging from her waist. The confidence that she holds and her final delivery are inspiring netizens across the world. 

Yeji’s confidence and attitude captured netizens’ hearts

Kim’s style is casual, especially on the range. She often wears black and white baseball caps, sometimes with the bill facing backward, baggy tracksuits, and chunky sneakers, giving her a laid-back, “takin’ the dog for a walk” look. But her monochrome outfits and steely demeanor tell a different story. She could step out of a sci-fi or action movie, like The Matrix or the Bourne series. Kim handles a gun with purpose and rarely smiles. Kim’s skills, style, and a touching memory of her daughter have captured the internet’s attention.

On X, JAKE praised the Korean star’s calm and exceptional talent, asking, “Why is Korean so good at everything?” Fans compare her to James Bond for her killer looks and Satoru Gojo from Jujutsu Kaisen. Even Elon Musk noticed, suggesting on X that she should be cast in an action movie. Kim’s rise to fame began with a viral clip from the International Shooting Sport Federation World Cup in Azerbaijan this past May. In the video, Kim sports a backward cap, a sharp bob, glasses, and a steely glare.

After breaking the world record in the women’s pistol, she told reporters, “There’s nothing to improve before Paris. I don’t feel any pressure at all. My confidence comes from a reason. It’s confidence based on a foundation.” Kim’s viral moments include her signature pose—shooting with her left hand while putting her right hand in her pocket. Her bold yet motherly image continues to captivate audiences. Kim will next compete in the 25m pistol women’s qualification on 2 August. What do you think of this silver-studded mother’s exceptional looks? Share your thoughts in the comments below.