The 33rd Police Agency National Shooting Competition was held at Cheongju General Shooting Range from September 4 to 11, 2024. At this competition, Moon Kyung-min from Kyung Hee University (KHU)’s Dept. of Coaching, secured two gold medals solidifying her status as a rising talent in South Korea’s shooting scene. On September 9, she claimed a victory in the final of individual 50 meter rifle three-positions women’s junior division, by setting a new record with a score of 459.2 points. Furthermore, on September 10, she secured a first place in the 50 meter rifle prone event with a score of 621.7 points, winning with a three point lead over the second place. 

This competition, established in honor of the 47th anniversary of Police Day, serves as a major national selection trial. This year’s event was particularly significant, attracting 2,793 athletes from 399 teams. The high level of participation was fueled by the recent success of South Korea’s shooting team at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where they won three gold medals and three silver medals. Olympic medalists Ban Hyo-jin, Yang Ji-in, Oh Ye-jin, and others joined the competition, creating intense excitement. Moon’s record-breaking performance and double victory in such a prestigious event have now placed her firmly in the spotlight.

Opening ceremony of the 33rd Police Agency National Shooting Competition                                                                              

Courtesy of Korea Shooting Federation

The Beginnings of Moon’s Shooting Career 

Moon’s recent victories are only the latest in a year marked by standout performances. This year, Moon captured two gold medals at the 54th Bonghwanggi National Shooting Competition held in August. She also claimed first place at the 17th Presidential Security Service Director’s Cup in July, the 4th Hong Beom-do General Shooting Championship in June, and the 40th Chairman’s Cup in April.

Her journey for shooting began with her father’s suggestion, who recognized her potential as an elite athlete when she was in elementary school. Although her mother initially objected, she eventually became a steadfast supporter as Moon began to excel in competitions. This unwavering support enabled Moon to fully dedicate herself to training. Reflecting on her success, Moon credits her achievements to her parent’s steadfast support, adding, “I am glad that the results show the effort I put in, and I could not have done it without my parents.”

Overcoming Challenges

Like many other athletes, Moon has faced her share of challenges. She recalls her high school years as the most challenging period of her shooting career. Despite consistently placing second, being unable to secure a top position discourages her, even more so than failing to place at all. This eventually made her doubt her own abilities, preventing her from even achieving second place later on. To overcome this slump, Moon shifted her focus to mental training. She adopted techniques like visualization and opened herself up to advice from senior athletes. Senior athletes offered her valuable guidance, which she found extremely helpful. One mentor’s words particularly resonated: “Everyone knows you can shoot well, so shoot confidently.” Additionally, during the COVID-19 period, Kim Jong-hyun of the KT shooting team, whom Moon greatly respects, also encouraged her to see the restricted opportunities as a chance for growth, rather than a setback. These encouragements helped her regain focus and continue pursuing shooting. Attending KHU also provided a shift in perspective. Seeing the success of KHU students in both sports and other fields helped her realize that it is okay not to excel in shooting. This new mindset was pivotal in helping her regain confidence and ease her mental burden.

Moon’s Recent Achievements and Future Aspirations

Moon is on a roll. Moon’s confidence has only grown with each recent victory. Looking back on her recent tournaments, she mentioned that because of her intense training, she believed that as long as she performed as usual, she would undoubtedly secure the first place. In the final national team selection tournament, the Police Agency National Shooting Competition, she proved her readiness and ability to stay calm under pressure. She mentioned that even after winning her first title at the competition, she remained calm when she entered the second match of the tournament. Instead, she focused solely on her match, motivated by the thought of winning again to feel even more delighted. With this mindset, she was able to win medals in most of the competitions this year and also secured a medal at the Asian Championships, achieving noticeable results. Looking ahead, Moon has her sights set on international success. She will compete as a national team member in international competitions this December and next year, with intensive training scheduled in training center starting in January. Her ultimate goal is to achieve good results at the international competitions this year and later in the Asian Games and eventually the Olympics. Inspired by seeing acquaintances win medals in Paris, she is more motivated than ever, “With continued training, I believe I can achieve my dream one day,” she said. 

Moon demonstrating focus at the shooting competition                                                                                                                                

Courtesy of Moon Kyung-min

The Role of Shooting in Moon’s Life

For Moon, shooting is more than a sport. It is a way of life. “Shooting is a battle against oneself,” she explained, noting that even the smallest detail can greatly impact results, making constant training and improvement essential. She devotes her weekends and any free time, outside of classes, to training at the shooting range. “Shooting has become something that enhances my value,” she emphasized. Moon hopes that more people will recognize the unique appeal of shooting. According to Moon, as the slightest difference can affect the game results, it is exciting to watch even if not participating directly.

Lastly, she added a message to young shooters. “There are not many future paths in professional shooting, so you need to carefully consider becoming a professional shooter. But if you do, I hope you feel the sport’s charm,” she said. She continued, “Shooting is really helpful for personal growth, and the sense of accomplishment when you hit your target is indescribable.” Moon’s ongoing growth and passion are sure to bring positive change to the future of shooting.