Kim Ye-ji: Why everyone fell in love with South Korea's record-breaking Olympic shooter

Kim Ye-ji has become a viral sensation following her impressive performance at the Olympic Games. The South Korean sharpshooter has been dubbed the 'coolest' at the Paris Olympics, despite this being her first appearance on the Olympic stage.

The 31-year-old South Korean won the silver medal in the women's 10-meter air pistol event. Ye-ji displayed exceptional technique, but it wasn't just her skill that captivated audiences — her unique style too.

Featuring futuristic 'steampunk' style glasses and a serious demeanor, she has become a fan favorite!

Some of her fans have labeled her as the female 'James Bond' of the Olympics, while others claimed she was Satoru Gojo, a sorcerer in a manga series.

The viral photo of Kim Ye-ji, leaning back with one hand casually resting on her hip and the other holding a pistol, exudes a Hollywood blockbuster vibe.

"The most aura I have ever seen in an image," shared a fan on social media. A post that was liked over 300,000 times on X. "Kim should be cast in an action movie," commented Elon Musk.

Kim Ye-ji is enjoying her first Olympic Games, and so far she has proven to be one of the best at her sport. Kim reached a podium finish with Oh Ye Jin, another South Korean shooter. South Korea would bring back two medals in a shooting event, 24 years later, according to CNN.

Kim and Oh share a room in the Olympic Village, and they both share a sisterly bond, according to the Associated Press. "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 shared during an interview.

"I do not view her as my rival. This is a big stage, the Olympics, and we won the gold and silver. When we won these medals, we were so proud we are Koreans," she added during the interview.

Kim Ye-ji also competed in the 25-meter pistol event, but did not make the podium. The South Korean, however, impressed in Paris and is now an internet sensation.

Want to see more like this? Follow us here for daily sports news, profiles and analysis!