Yoo Nam-kyu on Marriage Started at 39… “Olympic Gold Medal and Marriage are the Two Achievements of My Life”

Former national table tennis player Yoo Nam-kyu shared his inner thoughts regarding his marriage, which began at age 39, and his daughter's athletic education. In the 'Star Documentary My Way' video uploaded on the TV CHOSUN JOY channel on September 29, 2026, Yoo Nam-kyu's daily life and family stories were covered.

"First Impression was a Hundred Points"... A Fated Marriage at 39

In the video, Yoo Nam-kyu recalled his first meeting with his spouse. He stated that he began thinking about marriage around the age of thirty-two, and after serving as a national team coach and manager following his retirement, he decided to marry when he turned thirty-nine. The meeting with his spouse took place through an introduction while he was giving table tennis lessons. Yoo Nam-kyu said that when he first saw his spouse not far from the Gangnam Station intersection, her bright smiling first impression was "a hundred points." He added that through conversations with his spouse, he gained the conviction that he could entrust everything to her, and he even heard from seniors around him, "Winning an Olympic gold medal and marrying well are the two things you did best in life."

Active daughter Ye-rin, introduction to table tennis was his wife's suggestion

His wife played a large role in the process of his daughter Ye-rin's introduction to table tennis. Yoo Nam-kyu originally wanted his daughter to do art, but he confirmed that her personality was more active rather than sitting calmly to draw. Accordingly, he revealed that his wife suggested table tennis considering their daughter's temperament. Currently, Ye-rin is showing talent in table tennis, even ranking first in her grade, but he added that she is undergoing changes, such as entering puberty and demanding that her parents do not interfere with her guidance.

"It must be joyful and fun"... Educational philosophy as a parent

Having reached the pinnacle as a table tennis player, Yoo Nam-kyu has clear standards regarding whether his daughter continues her sports. He stated that he tells his daughter, "If you are not confident in working hard, you can quit at any time." His philosophy is that whether it is studying or sports, it must be joyful and fun for the individual, and they must have grit and ambition. Yoo Nam-kyu said that as a parent, he supports his daughter with his heart and strives to ensure she can live a life without regrets by even looking after the physical aspects.