Will Kim Yu-na Give Up Her Amateur Status?

“Will Kim Yu-na continue her amateur figure skating career or retire?”

The Olympic champion is asked this question every time she makes public appearance.

Watchers predict Kim could continue her amateur career since she reportedly submitted an application to compete in the 2010-11 Grand Prix Series. The move, however, is a routine practice that the Korea Skating Union does around this time of year.

The union submitted the application without consulting with Kim.

A union source said, “Kim Yu-na has yet to give an answer on whether she’ll participate in the series. We expect an answer on which series she’ll take part in around June or July.”

Kim is leaving everyone hanging over whether she will retire. When attending an event for the bidding committee for the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics Tuesday, she said, “Nothing has been decided yet. I expect we’ll make a decision after I return to Toronto, where I’ll hold training camp.”

Another union source said, “If we consider what Kim’s parents have said thus far, Kim will likely continue as an amateur figure skater. But we understand Kim herself has been unable to make a decision.”

Kim is in Korea participating in events and filming commercials. Since performing in an ice show last month, she has stayed away from the ice but reportedly exercises on the ground. She will depart for Toronto May 31, though this could be delayed by one or two days.

Chances are high that she will decide whether to continue as an amateur next month.

creating@donga.com